National Defence / Canadian Armed Forces News Release:
It is with profound sadness that the Canadian Armed Forces confirms that four of our members lost their lives during a fire-related training incident at CFB Wainwright at approximately 4 p.m. MDT on October 17, 2026.
The members confirmed killed during this exercise:
- Sergeant Morgan Wong, from the Loyal Edmonton Regiment based at Edmonton, Alberta serving with 3rd Battalion, Princess Patricia’s Canadian Light Infantry
- Private Shaun Farrell, from 3rd Battalion Princess Patricia’s Canadian Light Infantry based at Edmonton, Alberta
- Private Aidan Goulding, from 3rd Battalion Princess Patricia’s Canadian Light Infantry based at Edmonton, Alberta
- Private Hayden Lykkemark, from 3rd Battalion Princess Patricia’s Canadian Light Infantry based at Edmonton, Alberta
In addition to those who lost their lives, 39 Canadian Armed Forces members sustained injuries.
Quotes
“On behalf of the Government of Canada, I extend my deepest condolences to the families, friends and colleagues of the four Canadian Armed Forces members who lost their lives. Canada mourns with the entire Canadian Armed Forces community during this profoundly difficult time. We remain committed to supporting all those affected and to honouring the service, dedication and sacrifice of these soldiers.” The Honourable David J. McGuinty, Minister of National Defence
“It is with great sadness that we mourn the loss of Sergeant Morgan Wong, Private Shaun Farrell, Private Aidan Goulding, and Private Hayden Lykkemark. On behalf of all our members, I extend my deepest condolences to their families, friends and colleagues. We stand with them during this incredibly difficult time as we honour the service and dedication of our fallen. My thoughts are also with our injured members and their loved ones as they receive care and support. I am grateful to the first responders and medical teams who responded to this tragedy, and to everyone providing support to those affected.” General Jennie Carignan, Chief of the Defence Staff
“I offer my deepest condolences to the families, friends and colleagues of our fallen members. The Canadian Army stands with their loved ones during this profoundly difficult time. These dedicated soldiers served Canada with honour and were training to carry out the Canadian Army’s mission. We mourn their loss and will never forget their service.” Lieutenant-General Michael Wright, Commander, Canadian Army
“On October 17, 2026, the soldiers of the 1st Canadian Division suffered a devastating loss during a training activity at Canadian Forces Base Wainwright. Our thoughts are first and foremost with the families and loved ones of those we lost, and with the injured members receiving care. We stand with the teammates, friends, and Units affected by this tragedy. The well-being of our people remains our highest priority as we support those impacted, and work to understand the circumstances surrounding this incident.” Major-General Wade Rutland, Commander, 1st Canadian Division
Quick facts
On October 17, 2026, at approximately 1600 hrs (MDT), members of 1 Canadian Mechanized Brigade Group from the 3rd Battalion, Princess Patricia’s Canadian Light Infantry, were conducting live fire training at CFB Wainwright as part of Exercise APOLLO SHOOTER.
While conducting training a fire ignited and high wind speeds enabled the fire to grow and spread very rapidly overtaking the unit administrative area.
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Incident at Canadian Forces Base Wainwright
