Canadian Armed Forces say New Brunswick-based soldier has died in Latvia

The Canadian 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 Canadian-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 Canadian 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 Canadian Artillery, part of 6 Canadian Combat Support Brigade, which is based at the 5th Canadian Division Support Base Gagetown in New Brunswick.

“The passing of Gunner Halmagean is a loss deeply felt for the Canadian 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 Canadian 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’s 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 Canadian 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 Canadian 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’s 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’s extending Operation Reassurance for another three years through to 2029.

This report by The Canadian Press was first published Jan. 30, 2026.