A 50-year-old man who was stabbed in a Transcona-area home last week has died, and criminal charges have been upgraded against the man accused in his death.

Anthony (Tony) Sorokowski was rushed to hospital in critical condition after emergency crews were called to the house on the 300 block of Regent Avenue East just before 7 a.m. Friday.

On Monday night, his family told CBC News that Sorokowski was taken off life support.

Gerald Mustard, 40, who was still on scene when police arrived on Friday, was initially charged with aggravated assault.

He has since been charged with second-degree murder.

According to police, Sorokowski had invited Mustard back to the house after they met at a bar.

A "small drinking party" took place at the home, but when Mustard was asked to leave, a fight broke out and Sorokowski was stabbed in the upper body, police said.

Sorokowski's family members and close friends said his throat was slashed.

Brian Kehler, who knew Sorokowski for 30 years, said he is devastated by his friend's death.

"He was a truck driver and he had a heart of gold. He'd give you the shirt off his back," Kehler said.

"I've been putting an addition on my house and he's been coming here every day to help me — faithfully, you know. I couldn't ask for a better friend."