Canadian soldier missing in Latvia found deceased

“The loss of Warrant Officer George Hohl has hit us all very hard. On behalf of the entire Canadian Armed Forces, I offer my deepest sympathies to his family, friends and colleagues. Warrant Officer Hohl will be remembered for his many years of dedicated service, and our hearts are with all who knew him during this time of great sorrow,” – General Jennie Carignan, Chief of the Defence Staff.

Warrant Officer George Hohl, a member of the Canadian Armed Forces who had gone missing in Latvia, has been found dead.

The Department of National Defence shared the tragic news in a statement:

“Warrant Officer George Hohl, a Canadian Armed Forces member deployed on Operation REASSURANCE in Latvia and who had been missing since September 2, 2025, was located deceased on September 5, 2025.

The investigation into the circumstances surrounding Warrant Officer Hohl’s death continues. The Canadian Forces Military Police are supporting Latvian authorities with the investigation. At this time, there is no indication this incident poses an increased threat to our deployed members’ safety and security.

Warrant Officer Hohl was a Vehicle Technician from 408 Tactical Helicopter Squadron based in Edmonton, Alberta. He was deployed on Operation REASSURANCE as part of the Aviation Battalion under the NATO Multinational Brigade-Latvia. Warrant Officer Hohl had served in the Canadian Armed Forces for almost 20 years. He had deployed several times including on Operations LENTUS and GLOBE, and had a previous tour on Operation REASSURANCE.”

Prime Minister Mark Carney issued his condolences on behalf of Canadians:

“It is with deep sadness that I learned of the passing of Warrant Officer George Hohl, a member of the Canadian Armed Forces.

Warrant Officer Hohl was deployed as part of NATO’s Multinational Brigade Latvia under Operation REASSURANCE — a brigade I had the honour of spending time with late last month.

On behalf of all Canadians, I offer my deepest condolences to Warrant Officer Hohl’s family, friends, and to all those who served with him.”

Top Canadian Armed Forces officials also responded to the tragic news:

“I am deeply saddened to learn of this outcome following the search efforts in Latvia over the last several days,” said Lieutenant General Steve Boivin, Commander Canadian Joint Operations Command. “My heartfelt condolences go out to Warrant Officer Hohl’s family, loved ones and friends during this difficult time. Warrant Officer Hohl’s two decades of service with the Canadian Armed Forces are a testament of his dedication to Canada both at home and abroad.”

General Jennie Carignan, Chief of the Defence Staff also issued a statement:

“The loss of Warrant Officer George Hohl has hit us all very hard, said General Jennie Carignan, Chief of the Defence Staff. On behalf of the entire Canadian Armed Forces, I offer my deepest sympathies to his family, friends and colleagues. Warrant Officer Hohl will be remembered for his many years of dedicated service, and our hearts are with all who knew him during this time of great sorrow.”

My thoughts are with Warrant Officer Hohl’s family and those who served with him.

Spencer Fernando

Image – Department of National Defence

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