Canadian soldier from Hamilton dies while deployed in Latvia

The Canadian Armed Forces says a service member originally from Hamilton has died while deployed in Latvia.

A military news release says that Gunner Sebastian Halmagean was deployed on Operation REASSURANCE and employed by the Canadian-led NATO Multinational Brigade Latvia.

Halmagean died at Camp Labrie on Ceri Military Base on Jan. 29, 2026.

The Canadian military says Halmagean’s death is currently under investigation by the Canadian Forces Military Police with support from Latvian State Police. The release adds that no further information regarding his death will be provided.

According to military officials, this incident does not pose an increased threat to the safety and security of deployed service members.

Hailing from Hamilton, Halmagean was posted to the 4th Artillery Regiment, Royal Canadian Artillery, part of 6 Canadian Combat Support Brigade – based at 5th Canadian Division Support Base Gagetown in Oromocto, N.B.

He served in the Canadian Armed Forces for almost three years. His stationing in Latvia was his first overseas deployment.

Prime Minister Mark Carney took to X to express his condolences.

Saddened to learn of the passing of Gunner Sebastian Halmagean.

Gunner Halmagean was deployed to Latvia as part of Operation REASSURANCE — his first overseas deployment with the Canadian Armed Forces. Our country is stronger for his service.

My thoughts are with his family,…

— Mark Carney (@MarkJCarney) January 31, 2026

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