The Canadian Armed Forces has confirmed that Warrant Officer George Hohl, who went missing in Latvia earlier this month, has been located deceased.
Hohl was deployed on Operation REASSURANCE, part of Canada’s NATO commitment in Eastern Europe. A Vehicle Technician with the 408 Tactical Helicopter Squadron in Edmonton, he had served for nearly 20 years including deployments on Operations LENTUS, GLOBE and a previous tour on Operation REASSURANCE.
His remains are scheduled to arrive at Canadian Forces Base Trenton on Wednesday, September 10th at 5:30 p.m. From there, the procession will travel along the Highway of Heroes to the Ontario Chief Coroner’s Office at 25 Morton Shulman Avenue in Downsview.
Residents across Northumberland County and Quinte West are invited to line the bridges spanning Highway 401 to pay their respects to the fallen soldier and his family. The tradition, known as the Highway of Heroes, began during the war in Afghanistan as a public way to honour Canadian Armed Forces members who died in service.
The Canadian Forces Military Police are assisting Latvian authorities with the investigation into Hohl’s death. Officials emphasize there is no indication the incident poses an increased threat to Canadian troops deployed abroad.
Senior military leaders have expressed their condolences, recognizing Hohl’s nearly two decades of dedicated service to Canada.
(Written by: Joseph Goden)
