Canadian Armed Forces member dies while deployed in Latvia

A member of the Canadian Armed Forces has died while deployed in Latvia, the Department of National Defence confirmed on Friday.

Sebastian Halmagean, a gunner originally from Hamilton, Ontario, died Thursday near Latvia’s capital, Riga, according to a Department of National Defence news release.

The circumstances surrounding his death have not been disclosed, and an investigation is ongoing.

“At this time, there is no indication this incident poses an increased threat to the safety and security of our deployed members,” the Department of National Defence said in the release.

Halmagean had served in the Canadian Armed Forces for nearly three years and was based at the 5th Canadian Division Support Base Gagetown in Oromocto, N.B., according to a CAF social media post.

His deployment to Latvia marked his first overseas mission.

Canadian troops are stationed in Latvia as part of Operation Reassurance, the military’s largest overseas mission.

The deployment is part of a multinational NATO effort aimed at deterring Russian aggression along Europe’s eastern flank, with Canada serving as the lead nation.

“The passing of Gunner Halmagean is a loss deeply felt for the Canadian Armed Forces,” said Jennie Carignan in the Department of National Defence release.

“On behalf of all our members, I offer my heartfelt sympathies to his loved ones and those who served alongside him.”

Prime Minister Mark Carney said in a social media statement that he was “saddened to learn of the passing of the Gunner Sebastian Halmagean.... My thoughts are with his family, friends, and with all those [who] served alongside him.”