A Canadian soldier who went missing in Latvia earlier this week has been found dead, according to the Canadian Armed Forces.
Warrant Officer George Hohl, a 20-year veteran and vehicle technician with the 408 Tactical Helicopter Squadron in Edmonton, was serving with NATO’s Multinational Brigade in Latvia when he was reported missing on September 2.
His body was discovered on September 5 near the Ādaži military base, a key site for NATO operations in the Baltic region.
Warrant Officer Hohl had been deployed as part of Operation REASSURANCE, Canada’s largest international military mission aimed at bolstering NATO’s presence in Eastern Europe.
Approximately 2,000 Canadian personnel are currently stationed in Latvia as part of this operation, which was launched in 2014 in response to Russia’s annexation of Crimea.
The cause of Hohl’s death has not been disclosed, and an investigation is underway. Latvian authorities, with assistance from Canadian military police, are leading the inquiry.
At this time, there is no indication that the incident poses a broader threat to the safety of Canadian personnel deployed in the region.
Canadian military officials have expressed deep sorrow over the loss.
General Jennie Carignan, Chief of the Defence Staff, described Hohl’s death as devastating, noting his dedication and service to Canada both at home and abroad.
Lieutenant General Steve Boivin, Commander of Canadian Joint Operations Command, extended heartfelt condolences to Hohl’s family, friends, and colleagues during this difficult time.
The Canadian Armed Forces continues to support the investigation and is working closely with Latvian authorities to determine the circumstances surrounding Warrant Officer Hohl’s death.