Skip to content

Canadian soldier dies while off-duty in Latvia

b73204a1b0a3eb00ca64e4ef69e973f1d07706d34e4accfb4f547db6d60dfd64
A Canadian flag is shown on a soldier during an announcement at Garrison Petawawa in Petawawa, Ont., on Thursday, Oct. 19, 2023. A Canadian soldier has died in Latvia. The Canadian Armed Forces says Capt. Aaron Wideman died while off-duty in the Latvian capital, Riga. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Sean Kilpatrick

OTTAWA — Latvian State Police are investigating the death of a Canadian soldier in the capital city of Riga.

The Canadian Armed Forces said in a statement that Capt. Aaron Wideman died while off-duty.

Lt.-Gen. Stephen Kelsey, vice-chief of the defence staff, said Wideman died on Sunday.

The military did not provide details about the death.

He was posted within the Latvian National Armed Forces.

Canada leads a NATO battle group in Latvia meant to deter and respond to threats posed by Russia.

This report by The Canadian Press was first published Oct. 15, 2024.

The Canadian Press


Looking for National News?

VillageReport.ca viewed on a mobile phone

Check out Village Report - the news that matters most to Canada, updated throughout the day.  Or, subscribe to Village Report's free daily newsletter: a compilation of the news you need to know, sent to your inbox at 6AM.

Subscribe