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Canadian Soldier Found dead While participating in NATO Exercise in Latvia
Update September 7, 2025 – A member of the Canadian armed Forces has been found deceased in Latvia, authorities confirmed on Saturday. Warrant officer George Hohl, a 20-year veteran and Vehicle Technician with the 408 Tactical Helicopter Squadron based in Edmonton, Alberta, went missing on Tuesday while participating in NATO’s operation REASSURANCE.
Hohl was serving with the Aviation Battalion under NATO’s Multinational Brigade-Latvia near the Ādaži military base when he was reported missing. Latvian authorities, with assistance from Canadian forces Military Police, are currently investigating the circumstances surrounding his death. Officials have stated at this time that there is no indication of any increased threat to the safety and security of deployed personnel.
“This is a devastating loss for the entire Canadian Armed Forces family,” stated Chief of Defense Staff General Jennie Carignan. “Warrant Officer hohl’s dedicated service will be remembered.”
Hohl had previously deployed on multiple operations, including domestic disaster relief and earlier iterations of Operation REASSURANCE, Canada’s contribution to NATO’s enhanced forward presence in Eastern Europe which began in 2014 following Russia’s annexation of Crimea. operation REASSURANCE currently involves approximately 2,200 Canadian personnel rotating through the Baltic states.
The examination into the warrant officer’s death is ongoing.
| Operation | Location | Personnel Involved | Purpose |
|---|---|---|---|
| Operation REASSURANCE | Baltic States (Latvia) | Approximately 2,200 Canadian Personnel | NATO’s enhanced forward presence in Eastern Europe |
Did You Know? NATO’s enhanced forward presence was established in response to increasing security concerns in Eastern Europe following the 2014 annexation of Crimea by Russia.
Pro Tip: Military operations require continuous risk assessment. This situation highlights the challenges faced by deployed personnel and the importance of ongoing safety protocols.
reader Engagement Questions:
- How do emergencies like this impact the morale of troops deployed abroad?
- What measures can be taken to support the families of service members involved in such incidents?
What safety protocols are currently being reviewed by the CAF following past incidents?
Table of Contents
- 1. What safety protocols are currently being reviewed by the CAF following past incidents?
- 2. Canadian military Member Found Dead in Latvia After Extensive Search and Investigation Efforts
- 3. Details of the Incident & Search Operation
- 4. Operation REASSURANCE and the Canadian Role in Latvia
- 5. Investigation into the Death
- 6. Support for families and Personnel
- 7. Previous Incidents & Safety Protocols
- 8. NATO’s Response and Continued Commitment
Canadian military Member Found Dead in Latvia After Extensive Search and Investigation Efforts
Details of the Incident & Search Operation
On September 7, 2025, the Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) confirmed the death of a Canadian military member serving as part of Operation REASSURANCE in Latvia. The soldier was discovered deceased following an extensive search operation that began on September 3rd, 2025, after being reported missing during off-duty time.The individual’s name is being withheld pending notification of next of kin, a standard procedure in such sensitive situations.
The search involved a coordinated effort between Canadian and Latvian military personnel,as well as local Latvian police and emergency services. Resources deployed included:
Ground search teams utilizing specialized tracking dogs.
Aerial surveillance via helicopters and drones.
Local Latvian police units familiar with the terrain.
canadian military police investigators.
The search area focused on the vicinity of Ādaži, Latvia, where the canadian contingent is stationed as part of the NATO enhanced Forward Presence (eFP) battlegroup. The challenging terrain, including dense forests and marshland, complicated the search efforts.
Operation REASSURANCE and the Canadian Role in Latvia
Operation REASSURANCE is canada’s contribution to NATO’s assurance and deterrence measures in Central and Eastern Europe. The operation aims to reinforce NATO’s collective defense posture and deter potential aggression. Canada leads a multinational battlegroup in Latvia,comprised of approximately 850 Canadian soldiers,alongside troops from Albania,Czech Republic,Iceland,Italy,Luxembourg,Montenegro,Poland,Slovakia,Slovenia and Spain.
The Canadian contingent’s primary role is to enhance the security environment in the Baltic region and demonstrate NATO’s commitment to its allies. Canadian soldiers participate in regular training exercises with Latvian and other allied forces, focusing on interoperability and readiness. The eFP battlegroup is a key component of NATO’s broader strategy to deter Russian aggression and maintain stability in the region. This deployment involves a critically important commitment of Canadian resources and personnel, highlighting the importance Canada places on collective security.
Investigation into the Death
Latvian authorities, in collaboration with the Canadian military police, have launched a full investigation into the circumstances surrounding the soldier’s death. At this time, the cause of death has not been publicly released.
Key aspects of the investigation include:
- Scene Examination: A thorough forensic examination of the location where the soldier was found is underway.
- Witness Interviews: investigators are conducting interviews with military personnel and local residents who may have details relevant to the case.
- Review of Security footage: Any available security camera footage from the area is being reviewed.
- Autopsy: A post-mortem examination will be conducted to determine the cause and manner of death.
The Canadian Armed Forces has pledged full cooperation with Latvian authorities throughout the investigation. The focus is on establishing a clear understanding of the events leading up to the soldier’s death and ensuring accountability.
Support for families and Personnel
The Canadian Armed Forces is prioritizing support for the soldier’s family and the members of the Canadian contingent serving in Latvia. A dedicated support team has been deployed to provide grief counseling, logistical assistance, and other necessary services to the family.
Within the canadian contingent, chaplains and mental health professionals are available to provide support to soldiers who may be struggling with the news. The CAF recognizes the emotional toll that such an incident can have on personnel and is committed to ensuring their well-being. Resources available include:
Grief Counseling: Individual and group counseling sessions.
Peer Support Networks: Opportunities for soldiers to connect with and support one another.
Mental Health Services: Access to professional mental health care.
chaplain Services: Spiritual guidance and support.
Previous Incidents & Safety Protocols
While rare, incidents involving Canadian military personnel deployed on international operations have occurred in the past. The CAF regularly reviews its safety protocols and procedures to minimize risks and ensure the well-being of its personnel.
Recent reviews have focused on:
Off-Duty Safety Briefings: Reinforcing awareness of potential risks and safety precautions.
Buddy System: Encouraging soldiers to travel and engage in off-duty activities in pairs.
Risk Assessment: Conducting thorough risk assessments of potential hazards in the deployment area.
Emergency Response Plans: Ensuring that robust emergency response plans are in place.
The CAF is committed to learning from past incidents and continuously improving its safety measures to protect its personnel. The investigation into this recent death will likely contribute to further refinements of these protocols.
NATO’s Response and Continued Commitment
NATO officials have expressed their condolences to the Canadian armed Forces and the family of the deceased soldier. NATO remains steadfast in its commitment to the security
