Hamilton soldier, 24, who died in Latvia ‘immensely proud’ to be part of Canadian military, says father

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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.

WATCH | Investigation underway after Canadian Armed Forces member dies:

Canadian Armed Forces member dies in Latvia

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 in an interview Sunday Halmagean’s death is “absolutely terrible” and a “tragedy” for the Stoney Creek community.

Kuruc knows his family personally, and Halmagean since he was 5 years old.

“Sebastian was full of life,” Kuruc said. “He was a really, really smart kid.”

Growing up, Halmagean was intensely focused on joining the military, Kuruc said.

Last year, Kuruc bumped into Sebastian who was visiting home.

“He was telling me he loved being in the military and was overjoyed to represent his country,” the MP said.

Kuruc said he considers Halmagean a hero for enlisting and standing up for freedom.

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.