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

By Canadian Press on January 30, 2026.

The Canadian Armed Forces says one of its members 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 did not have an immediate answer when asked for comment.

The release noted that there was no indication the incident posed an increased threat to other soldiers.

Halmagean was originally from Hamilton, Ont., 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.

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

The Canadian Press

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