Four Canadian Armed Forces members killed in fire during training at CFB Wainwright near Edmonton

The Story

Four members of the Canadian Armed Forces were killed when a fast-moving fire overwhelmed soldiers during a training exercise at Canadian Forces Base Wainwright, southeast of Edmonton, on Saturday, according to the information provided in connection with the deaths.

Dozens of other people were injured in the incident, and 27 remained in hospital.

The four service members who died were identified as Pte. Shaun Farrell, Pte. Aidan Goulding, Pte. Hayden Lykkemark and Sgt. Morgan Wong, all associated with the 3rd Battalion Princess Patricia’s Canadian Light Infantry, with Wong also described as a reservist with the Loyal Edmonton Regiment.

Pte. Shaun Farrell, 23, was from Prince Albert, Sask., and was based with the 3rd Battalion Princess Patricia’s Canadian Light Infantry in Edmonton. His family said he was born in South Africa and immigrated with his family as a teenager, and they described him as having been diagnosed with dyslexia and Asperger’s syndrome. His family said it was his lifelong goal to join the military and that he “consistently refused to let labels or low expectations define his potential.” In remarks in the House of Commons, Prime Minister Mark Carney said Farrell was generous and loyal and known in his battalion as the grandmaster of chess. Premier Scott Moe said Farrell’s loss “will be felt deeply” by his family, friends, fellow service members and those who knew him.

Pte. Aidan Goulding, 23, was from North Vancouver and was also a member of the 3rd Battalion Princess Patricia’s Canadian Light Infantry. His family said he became a mechanic after high school, later quitting to join the Army, and they said his goal was to work for Special OPs and then onto CSIS. His mother and older brother, Sonia Monk and Wylder Goulding, said in a statement that despite making “excellent money” and having “a good life,” he decided he wanted to defend his country. They added that Goulding wanted “to make the best out of it,” quoting him saying before basic training, “I know I have one life to live, and I’m gonna make the best out of it.” Prime Minister Carney said Goulding met hardship “with a joke” and shouldered more than his share without being asked.

Pte. Hayden Lykkemark, 19, was from Langley, B.C., and served with the 3rd Battalion Princess Patricia’s Canadian Light Infantry. Carney said Lykkemark was known for his gift for lightening a hard day and his quick wit, and that he dreamed of a career in law enforcement. A coach, Trevor Plater, who coached Lykkemark in rugby at Langley Secondary School, said he was “always looking out for everybody,” adding that his team and classmates thought of him as a best friend. Premier David Eby also referenced Lykkemark and Goulding in a social media post that urged British Columbians and Canadians to support their families in the wake of the tragedy.

Sgt. Morgan Wong, 26, was from Edmonton and was described as a reservist with the Loyal Edmonton Regiment while serving with the 3rd Battalion Princess Patricia’s Canadian Light Infantry. His family said he earned a bachelor of commerce degree from the University of Alberta and certificates in real estate and civil-military leadership, and that he joined the Forces in 2017 and worked for the Alberta government as a financial analyst and manager for the previous four years. They also said he served as a first responder with St. John Ambulance and served in Latvia from October 2024 to June 2025, with plans for a second tour in Europe. The Loyal Edmonton Regiment Association said in a social media post that it was “deeply saddened” by Wong’s death and the other lives lost at Wainwright, and that its thoughts and prayers were with the injured and everyone affected.