Canadian Armed Forces member died in Latvia

Gunner Sebastian Halmagean. (Department of National Defence)

A gunner with the Canadian Armed Forces died in Latvia on Thursday, according to a press release from the Department of National Defence released Friday night.

Sebastian Halmagean, deployed on Operation REASSURANCE, was originally from Hamilton, Ont. According to the release, Halmagean served in the Forces for nearly three years, though this was his first overseas deployment.

“At this time, there is no indication this incident poses an increased threat to the safety and security of our deployed members,” the department said in its release.

In a statement to CTV News, Canadian Joint Operations Command Public Affairs confirmed he was on duty at the time of his death.

The department didn’t provide specifics on how Halmagean died, but in their release said an investigation by the Latvian Military Police, with support from the Canadian Forces Military Police, is ongoing.

Halmagean was posted to the 4th Artillery Regiment, Royal Canadian Artillery, in Oromocto, N.B.

“Halmagean was at the beginning a promising career, and we will remember his dedication and commitment to service,” Chief of the Defence Staff Gen. Jennie Carignan said in the release.