WAINWRIGHT – Four Armed Forces members were killed when a fast-moving fire overwhelmed soldiers during a training exercise at Canadian Forces Base Wainwright, southeast of Edmonton, on Saturday. Dozens of others were injured, with 33 still in hospital on Tuesday.
Here’s a look at the four who died:
Pte. Shaun Farrell
Farrell, a member of the 3rd Battalion Princess Patricia’s Canadian Light Infantry based at Edmonton, was from Prince Albert, Sask.
The 23-year-old wanted to make a career in the forces, Prime Minister Mark Carney said during a tribute in the House of Commons.
“Pte. Farrell was generous and deeply loyal friend, known in his battalion as the grandmaster of chess,” Carney said.
Farrell’s mother said in a social media post that the family is confronting a profound loss.
“We want to thank everyone for your love, support, and prayers during this incredibly difficult time,” Patricia Farrell said.
She asked for privacy as she grieves the loss of her “darling child.”
Saskatchewan lowered flags in the province to half-mast in his memory.
“Shaun was a young man full of promise who chose to serve his country,” said Premier Scott Moe.
“His loss will be felt deeply by his family, friends, fellow service members, and all who knew him,” Moe said in a statement.
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Pte. Aidan Goulding
The 23-year-old of North Vancouver 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.
He later quit to join the Army.
“Although he was making excellent money and had a good life, he decided he wanted to defend his country. His goal was to work for Special OPs and then onto CSIS,” his mother, Sonia Monk, and older brother, Wylder Goulding, said in a statement.
“He was the guy that kept people’s spirits up, a contagious laugh and a cheeky smile, he took his role in the army seriously, and our family and his dear friends have suffered a great loss.”
They said he loved his adopted army family and was looking forward to peacekeeping in Latvia.
“Before he went to basic training, he said, ‘I know I have one life to live, and I’m gonna make the best out of it.’ That was our Aidan.”
He went above and beyond in his service, added Carney.
“Pte. Goulding met every hardship with a joke, and when others struggled, he shouldered more than his share without ever being asked.”
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Pte. Hayden Lykkemark
The 19-year-old was from Langley, B.C., and served with the 3rd Battalion Princess Patricia’s Canadian Light Infantry.
“Pte. Lykkemark was known for his gift for lightening a hard day, his quick wit. He dreamed of a career in law enforcement,” said Carney.
Trevor Plater, who coached Lykkemark in rugby his senior year at Langley Secondary School, said he was “always looking out for everybody.”
Plater added that all of the team and Lykkemark’s schoolmates thought of him as a best friend.
B.C. Premier David Eby recognized Lykkemark and Goulding in a social media post.
“In this moment of profound heartbreak, as British Columbians and Canadians, let’s wrap our arms around their families, supporting them and joining in the mourning of this horrible tragedy,” he said.
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Sgt. Morgan Wong
The 26-year-old from Edmonton was a reservist with the Loyal Edmonton Regiment, serving with the 3rd Battalion Princess Patricia’s Canadian Light Infantry.
“He was an incredible person who was always there whenever anyone needed him,” his family said in a statement.
“He loved being active and spending time with his friends and family. He was extremely proud to serve with the Canadian Armed Forces.”
They said he earned a bachelor of commerce degree from the University of Alberta, as well as certificates in real estate and civil-military leadership.
He joined the Forces in 2017, and for the last four years worked as a financial analyst and manager with the Alberta government. He also served as a first responder with St. John Ambulance.
He served in Latvia from October 2024 to June 2025, and was preparing for a second tour in Europe.
“We are deeply saddened by the loss of Sergeant Morgan Wong of the Loyal Edmonton Regiment, and all those who lost their lives yesterday at Wainwright,” the 49th Battalion Loyal Edmonton Regiment Association said in a social media post.
“Our thoughts and prayers are also with the injured, their loved ones and everyone affected by this tragedy.
“We will remember them.”
This report by The Canadian Press was first published Oct. 20, 2026.
— By Dayne Patterson in Edmonton, Bill Graveland in Calgary, Nick Murray in Ottawa, and Ian Bickis in Winnipeg
