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Sebastian Halmagean, 24, was living out his childhood dream while on his first deployment in Latvia before he died, says his father.
“My son was immensely proud to be a part of the Canadian Armed Forces [CAF],” Alin Halmagean told CBC Hamilton in an email on Sunday.
“He cherished everyone involved in the CAF and all that came with the duties of a soldier.”
Halmagean, originally from Hamilton, was a gunner based at the 5th Canadian Division Support Base Gagetown in Oromocto, N.B..
He died near the Latvian capital of Riga on Thursday, said the Department of National Defence (DND) in a media release. The circumstances surrounding his death are currently under investigation.
A Canadian Armed Forces member, Gunner Sebastian Halmagean from Hamilton, has died while deployed in Latvia near Riga, according to the Department of National Defence. An investigation is underway, and officials say there is no indication of any broader threat to other deployed personnel. Canadian troops are in Latvia as part of Operation Reassurance, Canada’s largest overseas mission.
Alin, who is the owner of mixed martial arts gym House of Champions in Stoney Creek, said he hopes Halmagean will inspire other Canadians to join the military — “to keep our country strong, and to fight for democracy and freedom around the world.”
Halmagean was not only Alin’s son, but also his best friend, who shared an interest in war history and combat, he said in a statement.
Halmagean helped extinguish fires in Newfoundland and Labrador last year and was proud to serve other Canadians in need, his father said.
Part of NATO operation
Local MP Ned Kuruc said on Facebook that Halmagean’s death was “devastating” to the Stoney Creek community. Kuruc knew Halmagean and his family personally.
“He loved nothing more than serving in the Canadian Armed Forces,” Kuruc said. “Sebi you are a Canadian hero and will never be forgotten.”
His death is under investigation by CAF 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.
