One Canadian soldier has died during a multinational training exercise

News release

Bombardier Patrick Labrie, a member of the 2nd Regiment, Royal Canadian Horse Artillery, which is based in Petawawa, Ontario. © 2019 DND-MND Canada.

June 18, 2019 – Ottawa – National Defence / Canadian Armed Forces

Bombardier Patrick Labrie, a member of the 2^nd 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.

The tragic accident occurred around 10 p.m. (Eastern Standard Time) on June 17 in Cheshnegirovo, Bulgaria.

Exercise SWIFT RESPONSE 19 is a multinational training exercise taking place from June 8 to 27 in various locations throughout Bulgaria, Croatia and Romania.

A Canadian Military Police investigation has been initiated; however, no further information is available at this time.

Quotes

“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. 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.”

Lieutenant-General Jean-Marc Lanthier, Commander Canadian Army

Quick facts

Exercise SWIFT RESPONSE 2019 is a United States-led joint multinational airborne field training exercise in Bulgaria, Croatia and Romania enabling the U.S. military and other NATO Allies to advance airborne interoperability.

Associated links

Contacts

Media Relations
Department of National Defence
Phone: 613-996-2353
Email: mlo-blm@forces.gc.ca

Page details

Date modified:: 2019-06-18