Family of Prince Albert soldier killed in CFB Wainwright fire set to speak

A memorial is laid at the entrance of CFB Wainwright for four Canadian Armed Forces members, from left, Pte. Aidan Goulding, Pte. Hayden Lykkemark, Pte. Shaun Farrell and Sgt. Morgan Wong, who died in a fire during a training exercise at the base, in Wainwright, Alta., on Tuesday, Oct. 20, 2026. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Christopher Katsarov

The family of Shaun Farrell, one of four soldiers who died in a recent fire at Canadian Forces Base Wainwright, is set to speak to reporters later today.

That press conference is slated for 5 p.m. in Prince Albert, Sask., and will be streamed live at the top of this article.

Farrell was one of four service members who died after a fire tore through a training area at the base, located near Wainwright, Alta. on the afternoon of Oct. 17.

As of Thursday afternoon, 27 soldiers were still hospitalized, with 13 listed in critical condition. Those figures are down from the 39 people who were hospitalized immediately following the fire, 19 of whom were deemed critical.

In the days following the tragedy, the City of Prince Albert has flown its flags at half mast and set up a condolence book at city hall to honour Farrell.

The 23-year-old serviceman was remembered as a treasured part of the city’s rugby community, with Prince Albert Rugby describing him as a “valued teammate who was always ready to stand up for those around him.”

Fake fundraisers, disinformation

Farrell’s family has taken to social media to warn the public of fraudulent fundraisers using his name and photo. One such illegitimate donation page was posted to spotfund.com.

“Please do not let anyone exploit your kindness during this difficult time,” Patricia Farrell, Shaun’s mother, said in a Facebook post on Tuesday.

• Fraudulent fundraisers, disinformation spread following CFB Wainwright tragedy

A GoFundMe campaign organized by Heloise Vermeulen is the only legitimate fundraiser, according to the Farrells.

More details to come...

With files from Allison Bamford and Jasmine Pelletier