A fundraiser for the family of a Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) soldier killed at CFB Wainwright has surpassed its original $10,000 goal in less than 24 hours.
Private Hayden Lykkemark, originally from Langley, B.C., was one of four CAF members killed when a fire broke out during a live-fire training exercise on Saturday, Oct. 17.
The fundraiser had raised more than $16,000 as of Monday morning.
According to the GoFundMe, organizer Kane Lewis was friends with Lykkemark before they both joined the military.
The two went to high school together, played rugby, and joined the army at the same time. They were also placed in the same platoon for basic training.
“That’s where he became more than just a friend; he became a brother,” Lewis said.
He described Lykkemark as someone who was always looking out for others and was well-liked by fellow soldiers and staff.
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With the family’s permission, Lewis created the fundraiser to help support them as they navigate the loss.
“Anything you can donate is welcome.”
The fire broke out at approximately 4 p.m. on Saturday while members of 1 Canadian Mechanized Brigade Group from the 3rd Battalion, Princess Patricia’s Canadian Light Infantry, were conducting live-fire training at the base.
High wind speeds caused the fire to spread rapidly, overtaking the unit’s administrative area.
In addition to the four fatalities, 39 CAF members were injured, including 19 in critical condition.
The other three soldiers killed in the incident were Sergeant Morgan Wong, from Edmonton, who served with the Loyal Edmonton Regiment, and Privates Shaun Farrell (Prince Albert, Sask.) and Aidan Goulding (North Vancouver), who were both members of the 3rd Battalion, Princess Patricia’s Canadian Light Infantry, based in Edmonton.
“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,” said Defence Minister David J. McGuinty.
The incident prompted a major emergency medical response, with 22 ground ambulances and eight aircraft deployed to Wainwright. Patients were transported to five hospitals across Alberta.
Code Orange protocols were activated at several hospitals to coordinate emergency care, staffing, and resources.
Emergency Health Services Alberta, contracted service partners, and Saskatchewan resources coordinated approximately 10 hours of active emergency response operations.
The agency has since returned to regular operations, although temporary staffing and coverage pressures remain in the Wainwright and Flagstaff County areas, according to the province.
CFB Wainwright is located approximately 205 kilometres southeast of Edmonton.
The GoFundMe continues to accept donations to support Lykkemark’s family.