$16,000 raised for family of Private Hayden Lykkemark, killed in CFB Wainwright fire

A GoFundMe fundraiser for the family of Private Hayden Lykkemark, one of four soldiers killed in a grass fire at CFB Wainwright on October 17, has raised more than $16,000 as of Monday morning — surpassing its $10,000 goal in less than 24 hours.

Lykkemark, originally from Langley, B.C., was a member of the 3rd Battalion Princess Patricia's Canadian Light Infantry, part of the 1 Canadian Mechanized Brigade Group. The fire broke out at approximately 4 p.m. MDT during a live-fire training exercise when high wind speeds caused flames to spread rapidly across the base's administrative area, located about 205 kilometres southeast of Edmonton.

The fundraiser was organized by Kane Lewis, who went to high school with Lykkemark and later served alongside him in the military. The two were placed in the same platoon during basic training. "That's where he became more than just a friend; he became a brother," Lewis wrote. He described Lykkemark as looking out for others, and noted that he was well-liked by fellow soldiers and staff.

Beyond Lykkemark, three other service members died in the incident: Sergeant Morgan Wong from Edmonton, a member of the Loyal Edmonton Regiment; Private Shaun Farrell from Prince Albert, Saskatchewan; and Private Aidan Goulding from North Vancouver. Thirty-nine others were injured, with 19 in critical condition.

Defence Minister David J. McGuinty said in a statement: "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."

The emergency response was significant: 22 ground ambulances and 8 aircraft transported patients to 5 hospitals across Alberta. Code Orange protocols were activated at several facilities, and Emergency Health Services Alberta coordinated approximately 10 hours of active emergency response operations. The province has returned to regular operations, though temporary staffing pressures remain in Wainwright and Flagstaff County areas.

The fundraiser remains open for donations, and Lewis continues to welcome contributions with the message: "Anything you can donate is welcome."