A member of the Canadian Armed Forces, Gunner Sebastian Halmagean, was reported dead on January 29, 2026, while on a mission in Latvia as part of the Canadian-led NATO Multinational Brigade. His death occurred during Operation Reassurance, yet the details surrounding the incident have not been disclosed. The Department of National Defence stated that further information would not be available in order to maintain the integrity of the ongoing investigation by the Latvian Military Police, with support from Canadian Forces Military Police.

Military officials indicated that there is no evidence to suggest that Gunner Halmagean's death presents any heightened threat to the safety or security of deployed personnel. General Jennie Carignan, Chief of the Defence Staff, expressed her condolences, underscoring the deep sense of loss within the Canadian Armed Forces. She commended Halmagean's dedication and commitment to his service, noting that he was at the beginning of a promising military career.

Prime Minister Mark Carney also offered condolences to Halmagean's family through a social media post. In his statement, he praised the soldier's service to the nation, affirming that Canada is stronger because of individuals like him. The Prime Minister’s post reflected a collective grief, as well as an acknowledgment of the sacrifices made by military personnel.

Halmagean, hailing from Hamilton, Ontario, was attached to the 4th Artillery Regiment (General Support) of the Royal Canadian Artillery, which is part of the 6 Canadian Combat Support Brigade based at the 5th Canadian Division Support Base Gagetown in Oromocto, New Brunswick. He was deployed on Operation Reassurance within the Air Defence Battery of the Multinational Artillery Battalion Group stationed in Latvia, having served in the Canadian Armed Forces for nearly three years. This mission marked his first overseas deployment.

A social media post attributed to a person claiming to be Halmagean’s father shared information about the soldier's recent efforts, stating he had helped extinguish fires in Newfoundland and Labrador the previous year. The post expressed pride in Halmagean's service to the Canadian Armed Forces and his country, while also requesting privacy for the family during this difficult time.

Latvia hosts a multinational deployment intended to deter potential Russian aggression along Europe’s eastern flank, forming part of a series of NATO battle brigades stationed in Eastern Europe. Canada leads the Latvian deployment, contributing approximately 2,000 troops. In August 2025, Prime Minister Mark Carney had announced an extension of Operation Reassurance for an additional three years, solidifying Canada’s commitment to the mission until 2029.