CAF announces member died under non-operational related circumstances

A member of the 38th Canadian Brigade Group Headquarters, based in Winnipeg, MB, died Saturday while deployed abroad in Baghdad, Iraq.

According to the Canadian Armed Forces (CAF), Capt. Eric Cheung died Saturday under “non-operational” related circumstances. An investigation is currently underway to determine the specifics of the incident. The CAF made it clear in its release that no further details would be released until the investigation is complete.

“Our thoughts are with Captain Cheung’s family and friends. The Canadian Armed Forces are supporting Captain Cheung’s loved ones with assistance during these challenging times. The family has requested that their privacy be respected,” read the press release from the CAF.

Capt. Cheung was deployed to Baghdad, Iraq as an Executive Officer to the Directorate of Strategic Communications for Combined Joint Task Force- Operation Inherent Resolve.

Operation Inherent Resolve is the U.S. contribution to defeating Daesh in areas of Iraq and Syria. Canadians deployed to the region are deployed under Operation IMPACT, the CAF contribution to the Global Coalition against Daesh.