A Canadian soldier has died as a result of his injuries during parachute training, as part of Exercise Swift Response 19, in Cheshnegirovo, Bulgaria.
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."
Bombardier Patrick Labrie, a member of the 2nd Regiment, Royal Canadian Horse Artillery based at 4th Canadian Division Support Base Petawawa, died in the tragic accident around 10 p.m. EST on June 17.
"I am deeply saddened by the loss of Bombardier Patrick Labrie," said Lieutenant-General Jean-Marc Lanthier, Commander Canadian Army. "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."
A Canadian Military Police investigation is underway. No further details about the incident are available at this time.
