Canadian Armed Forces member missing and presumed dead in Swiss avalanche
News release
April 7, 2024 – Ottawa – National Defence/Canadian Armed Forces
A Canadian Armed Forces member, Captain Sean Thomas, went missing in an avalanche in Switzerland while on leave from an operational deployment, and is presumed to have been killed. The Canadian Armed Forces extend their sincere condolences to Captain Thomas’s family, are providing the family with resources and support during this difficult time.
Captain Thomas was on leave in Riffelberg, Switzerland, from Operation IMPACT, in the Middle East, and is presumed to have died in the avalanche that occurred on April 1, 2024. No other members of the Canadian Armed Forces were in the area at the time.
Captain Thomas was an Infantry Officer and deployed to Operation IMPACT as part of the Canadian Training Assistance Team in Jordan, helping to build the military capabilities of regional partners, and set the conditions for stability and security in the Middle East. He deployed in November of 2023, and was scheduled to return to Canada in May of 2024.
He joined the Canadian Armed Forces in 2018 and was a member of the Royal Highland Fusiliers of Canada, a Reserve unit under 31 Canadian Brigade Group.
The family has requested that their privacy be respected.
Quotes
“We join all Canadians to extend our condolences to the family, friends, and colleagues of Captain Sean Thomas who is presumed to have lost his life in a tragic avalanche in Switzerland. Canadians will remember the dedication and sacrifices made by him and his family, as he proudly served our country.”
- The Honourable Bill Blair, Minister of National Defence
“In this moment of profound reflection and sorrow, our thoughts go out to the family, friends, and colleagues of Captain Sean Thomas. We remember and honour Captain Thomas not just for his service, but for the unwavering dedication and professionalism with which he served our nation. His absence will be profoundly felt by all those who knew him and served alongside him”.
- General Wayne Eyre, Chief of the Defence Staff
“It is with heavy hearts that we have learned of the devastating news that Captain Sean Thomas is missing and presumed dead after being caught in an avalanche in Switzerland while on leave from Operation IMPACT. I am profoundly saddened by this incident, which occurred at what was supposed to be a time of well-deserved respite. Our thoughts and sympathies go out to the family, friends and loved ones of Captain Sean Thomas and we will do all that we can to support them in their time of grief.”
- Vice-Admiral Bob Auchterlonie, Commander Canadian Joint Operations Command
“The loss of a member of our team is difficult for us all. We extend our heartfelt condolences to the family of Capt Sean Thomas, as well as to his friends and loved ones, in the aftermath of this tragic event. We share in your sorrow and stand ready to provide support during this difficult time of mourning.”
- Lieutenant-General Jocelyn Paul, Commander Canadian Army
Associated links
Contacts
Media Relations
Department of National Defence
Phone: 613-996-2353
Email: mlo-blm@forces.gc.ca
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