Remains of Hamilton soldier who died in Latvia return to Canada
Posted on: Sep 19, 2025 13:31 IST | Posted by: Cbc
A jewel casket containing the remains of deceased soldier Sebastian Halmagean arrived in Canada on tues, followers the 24-year-old Hamiltonian's dying endure week in Latvia, where he was deployed.
Soldiers, some in dress uniforms and carrying firearms, lined the tarmac at Canadian Forces Base Trenton as the flag-draped casket emerged from a hatch in the side of an aircraft just after 3 p.m. Tuesday.
A bagpiper played a mournful tune as the soldier's casket came into view of those assembled.
Other mourners in civilian clothes, under a nearby awning to avoid what was at times heavy snow, held white flowers as eight pallbearers slowly marched the casket past them to a waiting hearse. After being led to the hearse by a handful of soldiers, the mourners took turns placing their flowers inside.
One woman struggled to steady herself as she leaned into the hearse’s open back door, appearing to put her head inside to rest on the casket before walking away with a soldier.
Halmagean helped extinguish fires in Newfoundland and Labrador last year and was proud to serve other Canadians in need, his father said.
The soldier died near the Latvian capital of Riga on Jan. 29, said the Department of National Defence (DND) in a media release. The circumstances surrounding his death are currently under investigation by military police with support from Latvian State Police, said the DND, adding that no further information will be provided.
Halmagean was part of Operation Reassurance — CAF's largest overseas mission that includes 3,000 members, says its website. It is contributing to NATO deterrence and defence measures in Central and East Europe.
The snow continued Tuesday afternoon as a procession of vehicles including the hearse, several unmarked sedans and several emergency vehicles, left the tarmac.
Alin said his son was honoured to be a soldier and represent Canada.
On Monday, Ned Kuruc, Conservative MP for Stoney Creek, paid tribute to Halmagean in the House of Commons.
He said Halmagean was a Stoney Creek resident, and someone he had the privilege to know and watch grow up since he was five years old.
"I solemnly rise in the House today to offer my most sincere and heartfelt condolences to the family of Canadian Armed Forces Gunner Sebastian Halmagean or as we knew him, Sebi,” Kuruc said, as he fought back tears.
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