Langley soldier killed in Alberta training incident

Langley soldier killed in Alberta training incident

Published 9:28 am Monday, October 19, 2026

Hayden Lykkemark from Langley, B.C. has been identified as a victim of what the Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) described as a “fire-related training incident” at CFB Wainwright in Alberta on Saturday, Oct. 17.

Lykkemark, 19, a private in the 3rd Battalion Princess Patricia’s Canadian Light Infantry based at Edmonton, was one of four who died during live fire training at CFB Wainwright as part of Exercise APOLLO SHOOTER.

Pte. Aidan Goulding from North Vancouver, Pte. Shaun Farrell from Prince Albert, Saskatchewan and Sgt. Morgan Wong from Edmonton also died, and 39 Canadian Armed Forces members were injured, with several in critical condition.

A CAF statement said while conducting training “a fire ignited and high wind speeds enabled the fire to grow and spread very rapidly overtaking the unit administrative area.”

The fire spread rapidly beyond the boundaries of the training area, the CAF said.

An online fundraiser for Hayden Lykkemark’s family, has been organized by friend Kane Lewis, with the family’s permission.

“We went to high school together and played rugby,” said Lewis, who described Lykkemark as well-liked in the gofundme “Donate to help support Hayden Lykkemark’s Family”

“We both joined the army at the same time and were fortunate enough to be in the same platoon for basic training. That’s where he became more than just a friend; he became a brother. He was always looking out for everyone.”

As of Monday, more than $15,000 had been raised.

Defence Minister David J. McGuinty said “Canada mourns with the entire Canadian Armed Forces community during this profoundly difficult time.”

A statement by General Jennie Carignan, Chief of the Defence Staff said it was “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.”