Canadian Warrant Officer Found Dead During NATO Operation in Latvia

Warrant Officer George Hohl of the Canadian Armed Forces, a vehicle technician with the 408 Tactical Helicopter Squadron based in Edmonton, was found dead in Latvia after being reported missing during his deployment with the NATO Multinational Brigade-Latvia as part of Operation REASSURANCE. Hohl had served nearly 20 years in the military and was part of Canada’s largest overseas mission aimed at deterring Russian aggression in the Baltic region. The cause of his death remains under investigation, with Canadian and Latvian military authorities cooperating, and there is no indication that the incident poses a threat to other deployed personnel. Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney and Chief of Defence Staff General Jennie Carignan expressed profound sadness and extended condolences to Hohl’s family, friends, and colleagues. Approximately 2,000 Canadian troops remain stationed in Latvia, and the Canadian government recently announced an extension of the deployment through 2029 to maintain NATO’s collective defense commitments. Latvian officials, including President Edgars Rinkēvičs, also conveyed condolences, highlighting the international significance of the mission and the loss.