A Canadian soldier who disappeared as he deployed in Latvia has been found dead, the Canadian Armed Forces said on Saturday.
The NCOGENCIAL GEORGE HOHL was located died on Friday, three days after he was reported as missing.
The CAF said it is supporting local authorities with an investigation into the circumstances surrounding Hohl’s death, but pointed out that “there are no indications that this incident raises a greater threat to the safety and security of our members deployed.”
The CAF said that Hohl served in the Armed Forces for almost 20 years, and was a vehicle technician for a helicopter squad with headquarters in Edmonton.
It was deployed in the tranquility operation as part of the aviation battalion for the NATO multinational brigade in Latvia.
“The loss of non -commissioned officer George Hohl has hit us all very hard,” said General Jennie Carignan, head of the defense personnel, in a statement.
“On behalf of all the Canadian Armed Forces, I offer my deepest sympathies to his family, friends and colleagues. The non -commissioned officer will be remembered for his many years of dedicated service, and our hearts are with all who knew him during this time of great pain.”
There are about 2,000 CAF troops in Latvia as part of the tranquility operation, the largest abroad mission in Canada.
Canadian troops have been there since 2017 to strengthen the defense of the eastern flank of Europe and deter Russia to invade Baltic countries, through what many call a “travel cable.”
Prime Minister Mark Carney announced last month that Canada will extend its stay in Latvia until 2029.
