Canadian soldier dies in Latvia for unknown reason

RIGA, Jan. 31 (Xinhua) -- A Canadian soldier serving in the NATO Multinational Brigade Latvia died near Riga on Thursday, the Latvian Defense Ministry said on Saturday.

The soldier has been identified as Sebastian Halmagean, a gunner from the Royal Canadian Artillery. He had served in the Canadian Armed Forces for nearly three years. This was his first overseas deployment.

The Canadian Forces Military Police is investigating the soldier's death with support from the Latvian side.

No further information will be provided, but there is no indication that this incident poses an increased threat to the safety and security of Canadian troops deployed in Latvia, the ministry said.

Last September, another Canadian soldier, Warrant Officer George Hohl, a vehicle technician serving in the Canadian-led NATO multinational brigade, who had gone missing, was also found dead. ■