Canadian soldier deployed on Operation Reassurance dies in Latvia

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A Canadian Armed Forces member deployed overseas on Operation Reassurance has died near Riga, Latvia.

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The Department of National Defence says Gunner Sebastian Halmagean, who was deployed on Operation Reassurance as part of the Air Defence Battery within the Multinational Artillery Battalion Group at NATO Multinational Brigade Latvia, died on Thursday.

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“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,” she added.

Originally from Hamilton

Originally from Hamilton, Ont., Halmagean was posted to the 4th Artillery Regiment (General Support), 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 had served in the Canadian Armed Forces for nearly three years and DND says this was his first overseas deployment.

“It is with great sorrow that I learned of the death of Gunner Sebastian Halmagean,” Lieutenant-General Steve Boivin, Commander Canadian Joint Operations Command, said. “As a member of the Canadian Armed Forces in the early stage of his career, and on his first overseas deployment, Gunner Halmagean deployed on Operation Reassurance with a sense of duty to serve his country.”

“My condolences and thoughts are with Gunner Halmagean’s family and loved ones in this very difficult time,” he added.

More than 3,000 Canadian Armed Forces members are deployed throughout the year in support of Operation Reassurance.

In August 2025, Prime Minister Mark Carney announced the renewal of Operation Reassurance for another three years during a visit to Latvia.

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