Gunner Sebastian Halmagean. /DND photo
A repatriation ceremony will take place today (Tuesday, Feb. 3) at 8 Wing/CFB Trenton for Gunner Sebastian Halmagean, a Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) soldier who recently died in Latvia.
According to the Department of National Defence, Halmagean was deployed on Operation REASSURANCE in Latvia and employed by the Canadian-led NATO Multinational Brigade Latvia and died at Camp Labrie at the Ceri Military base on Jan. 29, 2026.
The circumstances surrounding Halmagean’s death are currently under investigation by the Canadian Forces Military Police, with support from Latvian State Police and no further information can be provided currently.
However, officials have said there is no indication this incident poses an increased threat to the safety and security of deployed members.
Following the ceremony, the motorcade will proceed to Toronto via the Highway of Heroes.
“The passing of Gunner Halmagean is a loss deeply felt for the Canadian Armed Forces,” said Gen. Jennie Carignan, chief of the defence staff. “On behalf of all our members, I offer my heartfelt sympathies to his loved ones and those who served alongside him.
“Gunner Halmagean was at the beginning of a promising career, and we will remember his dedication and commitment to service. Our thoughts are with all who knew him during this profoundly difficult time.”
According to a recent DND advisory, aircraft is expected to arrive about 2:30 p.m. at 8 Wing, with the ceremony starting between 2:45 and 3 p.m.
Halmagean was originally from Hamilton, Ont., and was posted to the 4th Artillery Regiment, Royal Canadian Artillery, part of 6 Canadian Combat Support Brigade, which is based at 5th Canadian Division Support Base Gagetown in Oromocto, N.B.
He was deployed on Operation REASSURANCE as part of the Air Defence Battery within the Multinational Artillery Battalion Group at NATO Multinational Brigade Latvia.
He had served in the Canadian Armed Forces for nearly three years. This was his first overseas deployment.
