Hamilton soldier who died in Latvia to be honoured at repatriation ceremony
CBC
A Hamilton soldier who died in Latvia last week will be honoured at a repatriation ceremony on Tuesday.
Sebastian Halmagean, 24, died near the Latvian capital of Riga on Thursday, according to Canada's Department of National Defence (DND). The circumstances surrounding his death are under investigation.
In a Monday afternoon advisory, the DND said the repatriation ceremony will be held at 8 Wing/Canadian Forces Base (CFB) Trenton, located in Quinte West in southern Ontario.
The DND says the aircraft carrying Halmagean’s body is scheduled to arrive at 2:30 p.m. ET, with the ceremony starting between 2:45 and 3 p.m.
“Following the ceremony, the motorcade will proceed to Toronto via the Highway of Heroes,” the DND said.
Ned Kuruc, Conservative MP for Stoney Creek, paid tribute to Halmagean in the House of Commons on Monday.
"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.
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.
"Sebastian long felt the pride and calling for service to his country and was an outspoken advocate for more young Canadians to join the Armed Forces. Sebi loved his country and our military. He was a wonderful son, friend and loyal soldier.
"Sebi you are a Canadian hero, may God rest your soul," Kuruc said, calling on colleagues to stand to send condolences to his family.
Halmagean, originally from Hamilton, was a gunner based at the 5th Canadian Division Support Base Gagetown in Oromocto, N.B.
Alin Halmagean told CBC Hamilton on Sunday that his son was living out his childhood dream while on his first deployment in Latvia before he died.
"My son was immensely proud to be a part of the Canadian Armed Forces [CAF]," he said in an email.
"He cherished everyone involved in the CAF and all that came with the duties of a soldier."
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WARNING: This story contains disturbing details about gruesome deaths and sexual abuse.