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

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.

Bombardier Patrick Labrie, a member of the 2nd Regiment, Royal Canadian Horse Artillery based at 4th Canadian Division Support Base Petawawa, Ontario, has died as a result of his injuries during parachute training as part of Exercise SWIFT RESPONSE 19. https://t.co/yGFgXBScLY pic.twitter.com/L7hLFNM2it

— Canadian Forces (@CanadianForces) June 18, 2019

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.

“On behalf of every member of the CAF, I would like to offer my sincere condolences to the family, friends and colleagues of Bombardier Patrick Labrie, who died on a training exercise yesterday in Bulgaria. Our thoughts are with them during this difficult time.” - JV

— General Jonathan Vance (@CDS_Canada_CEMD) June 18, 2019

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.”