French police officer who traded places with hostage dies from gunshot wound, praised as hero

Beltrame, 44, a distinguished officer in the local gendarmerie, offered to take the hostage's place. On entering the supermarket, he left his cellphone line open so police surrounding the store would know what was happening inside. French special forces stormed the building after hearing shots, killing Lakdim. Beltrame, who was gravely injured, was flown by helicopter to a hospital, where he died early Saturday.

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