Funeral underway for Sgt. Morgan Wong, who died in the CFB Wainwright fire

On Sunday, an Edmonton funeral home witnessed a solemn gathering of family, friends, and Armed Forces members as Sgt. Morgan Wong, a soldier killed in the Canadian Forces Base Wainwright fire, was laid to rest. Dressed in a Canadian flag, Wong's casket was carried in by pallbearers, who then presented a folded flag to one of his loved ones.

Wong's sister, Megan, remembered him as a loyal friend and problem-solver who selflessly served his community and country. The 26-year-old reservist with the Loyal Edmonton Regiment and the 3rd Battalion Princess Patricia’s Canadian Light Infantry was among four killed when a rapid fire overwhelmed soldiers during a training exercise at CFB Wainwright, injuring 39 others.

Buddhist practitioners gathered at the funeral, singing and praying for Wong, whose photo sat on an altar alongside rice and fruit offerings. Wong joined the Armed Forces at 17, advanced through the ranks, and volunteered for deployment to Latvia in 2024, where he met his wife. After returning from Latvia, he trained new recruits and prepared for a second deployment when he lost his life in the fire.

Lt.-Col. Bryn Wright, Wong's commanding officer, praised his dedication to service, reliability, and willingness to put the regiment before himself. Wong's cap badge and regimental coin will be returned to his family, as soldiers often challenge each other to retrieve their coin. Megan expressed her pride in her brother's life, hoping it serves as an example to use time wisely and achieve a life one can be proud of.

Edmonton Mayor Andrew Knack highlighted Wong's impact on the city, noting he touched lives through his service to family, friends, and the community. While the fire's exact cause remains unclear, it is believed to have started during a routine training event at an anti-grenade launcher range on the CFB Wainwright grounds. High winds later exacerbated the blaze.

Military officials have not disclosed why training continued despite the fire, as it is under investigation by military police. The City of Prince Albert planned to hold a vigil in Memorial Square for Pte. Shaun Farrell, another soldier who died in the Wainwright tragedy, honoring the lives and sacrifices of the fallen.