Remains of Hamilton soldier return to Canada after death in Latvia

A flag‑draped casket carrying Gunner Sebastian Halmagean arrived at CFB Trenton after he died near Riga, Latvia on Jan. 29; military police and Latvian State Police are investigating his death.

A casket carrying Gunner Sebastian Halmagean arrived at Canadian Forces Base Trenton on Tuesday. He died near Riga, Latvia on Jan. 29 while deployed with Canadian forces. The Department of National Defence says military police, with support from Latvian State Police, are investigating his death and will not provide further details. Known details: - Sebastian Halmagean was 24 and from Hamilton, and he was on his first deployment. - The Department of National Defence reports he died near the Latvian capital, Riga, on Jan. 29. - His remains were flown to and received at CFB Trenton on Tuesday. - Military police are leading an investigation with support from Latvian State Police; the DND has declined to release more information. Summary: The return of his remains completes an initial stage following his death abroad and was marked by a military reception in Canada. Undetermined at this time.