A repatriation for a Canadian Armed Forces member took place on Sunday, October 20, 2024 at CFB Trenton.
Captain Aaron Wideman passed away on October 13, 2024 while serving in Riga, Latvia according to a release by the military.
A C-17 Globemaster aircraft touched down at CFB Trenton for the repatriation at 6 p.m.
Following the repatriation ceremony, the procession travelled along the Highway of Heroes through Northumberland County to Toronto.
Along the bridges of Northumberland County were emergency services paying respects to Wideman and his family.
Brighton Fire Department, Cramahe Fire Department, Alnwick/Haldimand Township Fire Department and Port Hope Fire and Emergency Services lined the bridges saluting as emergency lights on the fire apparatus were activated so Wideman’s family members could see them on the bridges as they passed.
Capt. Wideman served as a member of the Latvian Allied Augmentation Team in the Eastern European country and died when he was off-duty.
The Canadian Military Magazine stated that Capt. Wideman joined the Canadian Armed Forces as an Artillery Officer Cadet in 2013. The majority of his career was spent at the Royal Regiment of Canadian Artillery, where he held various positions, including instructor, from 2014 to 2021.
In 2019, he was deployed to Ukraine as part of Operation Unifier, where he served for six months. In 2022, he was posted to the Canadian Forces Leadership and Recruit School in Saint-Jean-sur-Richelieu before being posted to Riga, Latvia, in August of this year.
The military has expressed its heartfelt condolences to his family and loved ones.
“We are deeply saddened to announce the loss of Captain Aaron Wideman, who passed away on October 13, 2024. Our thoughts and deepest sympathies go out to his family and loved ones during this incredibly difficult time,” LGen. Stephen Kelsey, Vice Chief of the Defence Staff, said in a statement,
Since the incident occurred while Capt. Wideman was off duty, the Latvian State Police are currently leading an investigation. The CAF says its police are supporting the authorities on the matter.
The CAF is currently deployed at a strength of nearly 1,600 members in Latvia under Operation REASSURANCE. Operation REASSURANCE is Canada’s largest overseas mission and includes contributions from all elements of the CAF. The operation supports NATO’s deterrence and defence measures in both Central and Eastern Europe.
In Latvia, specifically, the CAF is deployed as part of the NATO Multinational Battlegroup, Task Force Latvia and NATO’s MND-N headquarters.
Author: Pete Fisher
Has been a photojournalist for over 30-years and have been honoured to win numerous awards for photography and writing over the years. Best selling author for the book Highway of Heroes - True Patriot Love
