‘An incredible person’: Sgt. Morgan Wong, 26, remembered before CFB Wainwright tragedy

Sgt. Morgan Wong, 26, is shown in an undated handout photo. Wong was one of four Canadian Armed Forces members who was killed in an out-of-control grass fire during a training exercise at CFB Wainright Saturday night. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Handout - Canadian Armed Forces

Sgt. Morgan Wong was an Edmonton-based member of the 3rd Battalion Princess Patricia’s Canadian Light Infantry when he was killed in the Canadian Forces Base (CFB) Wainwright fire.

The 26-year-old is remembered by his friends and family as a helper.

His closest family was not available to speak to CTV News Edmonton, but said in a statement that they were “extremely proud of him.”

“He was an incredible person who was always there whenever anyone needed him.”

Wong, who was originally based out of CFB Edmonton, was in Wainwright preparing for his second tour in Europe.

Despite being in his mid-20s, he had a lot of experience under his belt: He graduated from Harry Ainlay High School and earned a Bachelor’s of Commerce degree from the University of Alberta alongside a certificate in civil-military leadership.

He was also a medical first responder with St. John Ambulance. His colleague, Rhyneice Cook, last volunteered with him a few weeks ago at an event. She’s known him for two years.

“We’ve had this excellent relationship. He’s a super shy guy, but once he kind of opens up to you, he was incredibly friendly and had a wealth of knowledge,” she told CTV News Edmonton.

“He goes out, he does what he has to do, and does it well and exceptionally, then carries on.”

Cook first heard of his death through another St. John’s volunteer.

“It just kept running through my head, ‘No, it can’t be our Morgan. Not our guy,’” she said.

“When I saw the pictures of him, I realized that we were in a position we never wanted to be in … He’ll be missed for sure.”

Wong joined the CAF in December 2017. He served on Operation Reassurance in Latvia – the CAF’s largest overseas mission – from October 2024 to June 2025.

Wong was training alongside three soldiers from the 3rd Battalion Princess Patricia’s Canadian Light Infantry who also died in the fire:

• Private Shaun Farrell of Prince Albert, Sask.;
• Private Aidan Goulding of North Vancouver, B.C.; and
• Private Hayden Lykkemark of Langley, B.C.

Their ages have not yet been disclosed.

With files from CTV News Edmonton’s Nahreman Issa