Master Cpl. Josh Roberts was shot during a gun battle on Aug. 9. (DND/Pte Salisbury)

Investigators looking into last month's death of a Canadian soldier in Afghanistan's Zhari district have concluded he was killed by insurgent fire.

Master Cpl. Josh Roberts of the 2nd Battalion, Princess Patricia’s Canadian Light Infantry, based in Shilo, Man., was shot during a confusing gun battle between coalition forces and insurgents on Aug. 9.

There was speculation at the time that he might have been shot accidentally by an Afghan security contractor.

Military officials said Saturday that personnel from the firm Compass Integrated Security Solutions were in the area, but were not responsible for Roberts' death.

The Canadian Forces National Investigation Service based its conclusion on physical evidence, witness interviews, and an analysis by military police investigators.

Troops were engaging a group of about 15 insurgents along a rugged tract of farmland when the incident occurred.

Roberts, the 89th Canadian soldier to die in the Afghanistan mission, was shot in his armoured vehicle during the operation.

He was born in Saskatoon and was a soon-to-be father when he died. He is survived by a fiancée, who lives in Prince Albert, Sask.