‘He will be sorely missed’ – Michal Beaman’s home unit mourns untimely death

Following the recovery of Private Michal Beaman’s body on Wednesday, Jan. 29, 2020, Beaman’s home unit in New Brunswick has released a statement.

Beaman was from New Brunswick and here in Kingston for occupational training at the Canadian Forces School of Communications and Electronics. While at CFB Kingston for training to become an Army Communications and Information Systems Specialist, 37 Signal Regiment in St. John was his home unit.

“It was with great sadness that I, and all of the soldiers of 37 Signal Regiment, learned of the passing of Signaller Beaman on 29 January 2020 and I would like to extend my heartfelt condolences to his family. Signaller Beaman was a valued member of 37 Signal Regiment who would always volunteer for a task and was at the ready to help his friends and colleagues,” LCol. Alan Doody, Commanding Officer of 37 Signal Regiment said in a statement.

“He was held in high regard by all and always performed to a high standard during training and military exercises. He will be sorely missed by all those who knew him. 37 Signal Regiment remains focused on supporting Signaller Beaman’s family through this most difficult time as well as supporting our own soldiers,” Doody continued. “For all those affected by the loss of Signaller Beaman and particularly those who may be struggling and need assistance, the Chain of Command will be there to provide support. I would also remind our soldiers of the services offered by the unit and garrison Chaplains, Canadian Forces Member Assistance Program (CFMAP), Canadian Forces Health Services (CFHS), or 911 for those in crisis.

“The death of Signaller Beaman is a tragedy which will reverberate with all those whose lives he touched. I would again offer my sincere condolences to those affected by his loss.”

Beaman was reported as missing on Monday, Jan. 27, 2020, and his body was recovered from the water by the Military Police, Kingston Police, and Ontario Provincial Police near the LaSalle Causeway on Wednesday, Jan.29. As of Thursday, Jan. 30, 2020, the investigation into Beaman’s disappearance and death had been turned over to Canadian Forces National Investigation Service (CFNIS), an independent unit of the Military Police. An autopsy will be undertaken by the Office of the Ontario Coroner, as well as standard testing on toxicology, the results of which will be handed over to CFNIS. Those results, along with the reconstruction of a timeline from a variety of testimonies, are expected to take some time, according to CFNIS.