February 4, 2026 By Dalena Reporters
QUINTE WEST / HAMILTON, Canada — A 24-year-old Canadian Armed Forces member from Hamilton, Ontario who died while deployed in Latvia was honoured this week at a repatriation ceremony in Quinte West, Ontario, underscoring Canada’s commitment to recognising the service and sacrifice of its military personnel.
Gunner Sebastian Halmagean, originally from Hamilton, was serving with the Canadian-led NATO Multinational Brigade Latvia as part of Operation REASSURANCE — Canada’s ongoing deployment to support NATO deterrence efforts in Eastern Europe when he died on January 29, 2026, at Camp Labrie near Riga, Latvian authorities and the Canadian Department of National Defence confirmed.
Canada’s military described the circumstances surrounding the soldier’s death as under investigation by the Canadian Forces Military Police with support from Latvian state police, and stressed that there is no indication of increased risk to other deployed personnel based on available information at this time.
In his nearly three years of service with the Canadian Armed Forces, Halmagean was assigned to the 4th Artillery Regiment (General Support) of the Royal Canadian Artillery, part of the 6 Canadian Combat Support Brigade. His deployment to Latvia marked his first overseas mission in support of allied operations.
The repatriation ceremony a solemn and deeply respected military tradition took place at 8 Wing/Canadian Forces Base Trenton, where members of the Canadian Forces and dignitaries paid tribute to Gunner Halmagean’s service before his remains were returned to his family. Footage from the event shows military honours accorded in recognition of his commitment to duty.
Canada’s Chief of the Defence Staff, General Jennie Carignan, expressed profound sorrow and extended condolences on behalf of the Canadian Armed Forces, highlighting Halmagean’s dedication and “sense of duty to serve his country.” Lieutenant-General Steve Boivin, Commander of Canadian Joint Operations Command, also acknowledged the soldier’s service and the difficult time faced by his loved ones.
Halmagean’s death has reverberated across Hamilton, with community leaders and residents expressing grief over the loss of a young life devoted to military service. His deployment was part of Canada’s contribution to collective defence under NATO, reflecting Ottawa’s broader commitment to European security and allied cooperation.
The repatriation ceremony underscores the solemn way Canada honours its fallen service members, and the continuing risks faced by military personnel stationed abroad, even in non-combat operations.