The body of the latest Canadian soldier killed in Afghanistan began the journey home Saturday after a solemn ramp ceremony at Kandahar Air Field.
Cpl. Joshua Caleb Baker was killed in a training accident northeast of Kandahar City around 5 p.m. local time Friday. Four other soldiers were injured.
The military has not released many details about Baker's death except to say it happened during a routine training exercise. An investigation into the incident is underway.
"This type of training is normal for soldiers in theatre and essential in helping them maintain high levels of expertise," Brig. Gen. Daniel Menard said.
Baker, 24, was serving with the Loyal Edmonton Regiment.
Menard said Baker had a laugh that lightened any situation.
"Joshua had a laugh rumoured to cure cancer," he said. "No matter where you were or how down you got, his laugh would find your ears and bring a smile to your face."
Baker, from Edmonton, was "an extremely positive, passionate" person, Menard said.
"He had a deep love for his family and worried constantly about them."
The injured soldiers were taken by helicopter to the medical facility at Kandahar Airfield. They are in stable condition, the Department of National Defence said in a statement. Their names will not be released.
Baker's repatriation ceremony will be held at 2 p.m. Monday at CFB Trenton. The ceremony will be followed by a cavalcade west along the stretch of Highway 401 called the Highway of Heroes.
In offering his condolences to Baker's family, Prime Minister Stephen Harper said Baker "served valiantly in order to build a better future for Afghanistan."
Defence Minister Peter MacKay and Gov. Gen. Michaelle Jean issued similar statements.
Baker's loss will be honoured by a sustained effort "to bring freedom, democracy and respect for human rights and the rule of law to Afghanistan," MacKay said.
He also wished the injured soldiers a speedy recovery.
Jean said she was "deeply saddened" by the loss of Baker, who "merits our wholehearted admiration."
Baker is the second Canadian soldier to die in Afghanistan this year, and the 140th killed during Canada's eight-year mission in the country.
With a report from CTV's Janis Mackey Frayer in Afghanistan and files from The Canadian Press
