What’s the Latest: Mom says B.C. soldier who died at CFB Wainwright was her ‘bright light’
Pte. Aidan Goulding, a 23-year-old soldier, died during a fast-moving grassfire at Canadian Forces Base Wainwright, Alberta, last month, which also claimed the lives of three other soldiers. On Sunday, family, friends, and members of the Canadian Armed Forces gathered in Vancouver for his funeral, where 39 others injured in the incident remain in hospital.
An investigation is ongoing into the circumstances surrounding the grass fire at CFB Wainwright that resulted in multiple fatalities and injuries during training exercises. Pte. Aidan Goulding had completed his infantry training in July 2026 before being posted to the 3rd Battalion, Princess Patricia’s Canadian Light Infantry (3PPCLI).
The investigation into the deadly fire at Canadian Forces Base Wainwright is ongoing, with authorities reviewing the conditions that led to the grassfire during training exercises. The family of Private Aidan Goulding, who was laid to rest with military honours, continues to mourn, with his mother describing the loss as “something always missing.”
What remains unclear — The ongoing investigation has not yet publicly detailed the precise cause of the grassfire that led to the fatalities at CFB Wainwright.
Mother remembers B.C. soldier Pte. Aidan Goulding as her ‘bright light’
Pte. Aidan Goulding, a 23-year-old soldier, was commemorated at a funeral service in Vancouver on Sunday following his tragic death during a live-fire exercise at Canadian Forces Base Wainwright. Goulding was one of four soldiers killed in the incident, which also injured 39 others. Family, friends, and fellow members of the Canadian Armed Forces gathered to pay their respects.
Sonia Monk, Goulding’s mother, described her son as “a bright light,” emphasising his adventurous spirit and love for life. In her eulogy, she expressed gratitude for the community’s support, saying, “Aidan was never still… he loved life and wanted to experience all of it.” Monk further reflected on his exuberance, noting, “If there was a safe, sensible way to do something, Aidan usually found a more exhilarating way.”
Goulding had been training for a potential deployment overseas when a grass fire erupted, leading to the tragedy. Capt. Jack O’Connell, Goulding’s commander, praised him as an “outgoing, confident, charismatic warrior,” stating that he “embodied what it is to be a Patricia” and had a spirit that inspired those around him.
Wylder, Goulding’s brother, also expressed fond memories, recalling their shared childhood mischief. “He was my best friend, my worst enemy, my harshest critic and my fiercest competitor,” Wylder said, underscoring their close bond. “Aidan really did live his life to the fullest.”
An investigation into the incident is ongoing, looking into factors such as the unusually strong winds in Alberta at the time. As the family begins to process their loss, Monk articulated a poignant metaphor for their journey ahead, stating, “I feel like I’m driving with one headlight. The road is still there and I’ll try to keep moving forward, but it will never be quite as bright.”
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