January 30, 2026 – Ottawa – National Defence / Canadian Armed Forces
Gunner Sebastian Halmagean, a Canadian Armed Forces member deployed on Operation REASSURANCE in Latvia and who was employed by the Canadian-led NATO Multinational Brigade Latvia, died near Riga, Latvia, on January 29, 2026.
The investigation into the circumstances surrounding Gunner Halmagean’s death by the Latvian Military Police with support from the Canadian Forces Military Police is ongoing. At this time, there is no indication this incident poses an increased threat to the safety and security of our deployed members.
Gunner Halmagean was originally from Hamilton, Ontario, and 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, New Brunswick.
Gunner Halmagean 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.
