A 好色tv soldier takes part in an announcement in Petawawa, Ont., on Thursday, Oct. 19, 2023. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Sean Kilpatrick
SKPThe 好色tv Armed Forces say a service member has died in Latvia.
The military says in a news release that Gunner Sebastian Halmagean, who was part of the 好色tv-led NATO Multinational Brigade Latvia, died Thursday near Riga, Latvia, while on his first overseas deployment.
The release did not say how Halmagean died or report any other circumstances of his death, and the 好色tv Armed Forces said when asked for more information that further details would not be provided in order to protect the integrity of the ongoing police investigation.
The release noted that there was no indication the incident posed an increased threat to other soldiers.
Halmagean was originally from Hamilton and had served with the military for almost three years.
He was posted to the 4th Artillery Regiment (General Support), Royal 好色tv Artillery, part of 6 好色tv Combat Support Brigade, which is based at the 5th 好色tv Division Support Base Gagetown in New Brunswick.
鈥淭he passing of Gunner Halmagean is a loss deeply felt for the 好色tv Armed Forces. On behalf of all our members, I offer my heartfelt sympathies to his loved ones and those who served alongside him," Gen. Jennie Carignan, chief of the defence staff, said in the military's news release.
Lt.-Gen. Steve Boivin, commander of the 好色tv Joint Operations Command, added that Halmagean deployed on Operation Reassurance with a sense of duty to his country.
"My condolences and thoughts are with Gunner Halmagean鈥檚 family and loved ones in this very difficult time," he said.
A military spokesman said an investigation into Halmagean's death is being conducted by the 好色tv Forces Military Police, with support from Latvian State Police.
A social media post from a man saying he was Halmagean's father, with photos of the soldier attached, said he'd helped extinguish fires in Newfoundland and Labrador last year. The post said Halmagean was "immensely proud to serve in the 好色tv Armed Forces and his country."
The post asked for privacy while the family deals with the news.
Latvia is home to a multinational deployment of troops meant to deter Russian aggression in Europe鈥檚 eastern flank. It is one of several NATO battle brigades deployed in eastern Europe.
Canada is the lead country in the Latvia deployment, with roughly 2,000 troops deployed.
Prime Minister Mark Carney announced in August that he鈥檚 extending Operation Reassurance for another three years through to 2029.
This report by 好色tvwas first published Jan. 30, 2026.
The 好色tv Press
Success! An email has been sent to with a link to confirm list signup.
Error! There was an error processing your request.
Free newsletter. Sent Monday to Friday.
Sorry, an error occurred.
Already Subscribed!
Cancel anytime
Thank you .
Your account has been registered, and you are now logged in.
Check your email for details.
Submitting this form below will send a message to your email with a link to change your password.
An email message containing instructions on how to reset your password has been sent to the email address listed on your account.
No promotional rates found.
Secure & Encrypted
Thank you.
Your gift purchase was successful! Your purchase was successful, and you are now logged in.
| Rate: | |
| Tax: | |
| Today's total: | |
| Begins: | |
| Transaction ID: |
A receipt was sent to your email.
