OTTAWA — In a shocking turn of events, Latvian State Police are currently investigating the untimely death of Canadian soldier Captain Aaron Wideman, whose passing has left the military community in mourning.

Capt. Wideman died on Sunday while off-duty in the capital city of Riga, as confirmed by the Canadian Armed Forces in an official statement.

The exact circumstances surrounding Capt. Wideman’s death remain unclear, and military officials have not provided further details.

Lt.-Gen. Stephen Kelsey, the Vice-Chief of the Defence Staff, expressed his condolences, emphasizing the loss felt throughout the military ranks.

Capt. Wideman was serving with the Latvian National Armed Forces as part of Canada’s commitment to NATO, where Canada leads a multinational battle group positioned in Latvia to deter potential threats from Russia.

This deployment underscores Canada’s significant role in ensuring the security and stability of Eastern Europe amid ongoing regional tensions.

The news of Capt. Wideman's death has elicited an outpouring of sympathy and support for his family and fellow service members, as the military grapples with the emotional impact of this tragic incident.

As investigations continue, many are left wondering about the circumstances of this incident and how it will affect Canada's presence in Latvia.

Stay tuned as we uncover more details about this heartbreaking story.