Four Armed Forces members died after a fire overwhelmed soldiers during a training exercise at CFB Wainwright near Edmonton on Saturday, with 39 still in hospital Sunday.
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Four Armed Forces members were killed when a fast-moving fire overwhelmed soldiers during a training exercise at CFB Wainwright, southeast of Edmonton, on Saturday.
Dozens of others were injured in the incident, and 39 were still in hospital as of Sunday.
Private Shaun Farrell, a member of the 3rd Battalion Princess Patricia’s Canadian Light Infantry based at Edmonton, was from Prince Albert, Sask. His mother, Patricia Farrell, asked for privacy as the family navigates “this profound loss,” and said in a statement: “We want to thank everyone for your love, support, and prayers during this incredibly difficult time.” Saskatchewan Premier Scott Moe said flags would be lowered to half-mast in Farrell’s memory, adding that “Shaun was a young man full of promise who chose to serve his country.”
Private 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 was an exceptional athlete and, after high school, became a mechanic before quitting to join the army. In a statement shared by his mother, Sonia Monk, and older brother, Wylder Goulding, they said he wanted “to defend his country,” with his goal “to work for Special OPs and then onto CSIS.”
Private Hayden Lykkemark, from Langley, B.C., served with the 3rd Battalion Princess Patricia’s Canadian Light Infantry. B.C. Premier David Eby recognized Lykkemark and Goulding in a social media post, saying British Columbians and Canadians should “wrap our arms around their families” and join “in the mourning of this horrible tragedy.”
Sgt. Morgan Wong, 26, was a reservist with the Loyal Edmonton Regiment, serving with the 3rd Battalion Princess Patricia’s Canadian Light Infantry. His family said he was an active person who loved spending time with friends and family, and that he was proud to serve with the Canadian Armed Forces. They said he earned a bachelor of commerce degree from the University of Alberta, along with certificates in real estate and civil-military leadership, and joined the Forces in 2017. The family said he worked for the Alberta government for the past four years as a financial analyst and manager, and that he also served as a first responder with St. John Ambulance. They said he served in Latvia from October 2024 to June 2025 and was preparing for a second tour in Europe. In a social media post, the 49th Battalion Loyal Edmonton Regiment Association said it was “deeply saddened” by Wong’s loss and those of others who died at Wainwright, and said, “We will remember them.”
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