Remains of Canadian soldier killed in training exercise overseas to be returned home today

| June 22, 2019 in National News

Local Community Advertising

The remains of a Canadian soldier who was killed during a training exercise this week are scheduled to return home to Canada today. 

Labrie, a member of the 2nd Regiment, Royal Canadian Horse Artillery based at 4th Canadian Division Support Base Petawawa, Ont., died during parachute training as part of swift response exercise.

The tragic accident occurred around 10 p.m. on June 17 in Cheshnegirovo, Bulgaria.

One June 18, the Department of National Defence said that a Canadian Military Police investigation has been initiated.

 “I share in the mourning for the loss of Bombardier Patrick Labrie along with the entire Canadian Armed Forces family,” said Harjit S. Sajjan, Minister of National Defence. 

“We are reminded of the cost of service to our country each time a member of the Canadian Armed Forces family passes away while preparing to defend Canada. I extend my sincere condolences to Patrick’s family as well as his sisters and brothers in arms.”

The dignified transfer of remains will take place at Ottawa MacDonald-Cartier International Airport at 8 p.m. local time. 

A ceremony will take place at the reception centre. Following that, the family will make a statement to the media. 


Lieutenant-Colonel Dan Matheson, Commanding Officer of 2nd Regiment, Royal Canadian Horse Artillery, and other military members will also be present to pay their respects.

“I am deeply saddened by the loss of Bombardier Patrick Labrie. Not only is his death a painful loss to his family and friends, but we feel this loss across the Canadian Army and throughout the entire military community,” said Lieutenant-General Jean-Marc Lanthier, Commander Canadian Army.


“Chief Warrant Officer Stu Hartnell and I extend our sincere condolences, on behalf of all ranks of the Canadian Army, to the family and friends of Bombardier Labrie.”

Local Community Advertising

Trending Stories

Here’s everything coming to Netflix Canada in May 2024

Buildings damaged after Kelowna hedge fire spreads

Body found in creek near Big White identified as missing Kamloops man

The Bank of Mom & Dad is real, and it's doling out money

Here’s everything coming to Disney Plus in May 2024

7 more victims come forward in child abuse investigation, 4 people charged 

VIDEO: Kelowna RCMP criticized over handling of violent incident

UPDATE: BC man arrested after fatal stabbing now charged for separate stabbing 2 days earlier