Aidan Goulding’s remains returned to British Columbia on Wednesday, November 4, after the 23-year-old Canadian Armed Forces member was killed in a fast-moving grass fire during a training exercise at Canadian Forces Base Wainwright in Alberta.
Goulding’s remains arrived at Vancouver International Airport at about 1 p.m. local time before being taken by motorcade to a funeral home in New Westminster.
First responders lined Grant McConachie Way to pay their respects as the procession travelled from the airport, according to police information reported Wednesday.
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Aidan Goulding was among four soldiers killed
Goulding, who was from North Vancouver, served with the Edmonton-based 3rd Battalion, Princess Patricia’s Canadian Light Infantry.
He was one of four service members killed on October 17, 2026, when a fire spread rapidly during a live-fire training exercise at CFB Wainwright.
The other members who died were Sergeant Morgan Wong of Edmonton, Private Shaun Farrell of Prince Albert, Saskatchewan, and Private Hayden Lykkemark of Langley, British Columbia.
The Canadian Armed Forces said the fire intensified after strong winds caused it to spread quickly into an administrative area used by the unit.
Military officials previously confirmed that dozens of members were injured, with some requiring specialized burn treatment in Alberta hospitals.
The circumstances surrounding the fire remain under investigation.
Funeral services planned in Vancouver
A funeral service for Goulding is scheduled for 11 a.m. on Sunday, November 8, at Seaforth Armoury in Vancouver.
The service will provide an opportunity for family, friends, fellow soldiers and members of the public to honour Goulding before he is laid to rest.
His family has described him as an athletic, ambitious and energetic young man who left a career as a mechanic to join the military.
Family members said Goulding wanted to serve Canada and hoped eventually to work in special operations and later with the Canadian Security Intelligence Service.
They also remembered his sense of humour and his ability to lift the spirits of people around him.
Military and police investigations continue
The Canadian Armed Forces has said Military Police are conducting an independent investigation to establish what happened and determine whether any criminal or service offences may have occurred.
A separate Board of Inquiry is also being established by the military to examine how the incident occurred and identify lessons that could help prevent a similar tragedy.
The investigations are expected to examine the fire’s origin, the effect of changing wind conditions, emergency warnings and the response during the training exercise.
National Defence has not announced a final timeline for either process.
A continuing period of mourning
Goulding’s return to B.C. comes as families and military communities continue to hold memorials for the four soldiers.
Farrell’s funeral was held in Prince Albert on Wednesday, where military personnel and provincial officials gathered to remember the Saskatchewan soldier.
National tributes have also included moments of silence in Parliament and at official ceremonies recognizing the loss at CFB Wainwright.
The return of Goulding’s remains marks the next stage in a farewell that will bring his family, unit and wider British Columbia community together in Vancouver.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who was Aidan Goulding?
Private Aidan Goulding was a 23-year-old Canadian Armed Forces member from North Vancouver who served with the 3rd Battalion, Princess Patricia’s Canadian Light Infantry.
What happened to Aidan Goulding?
Goulding was killed on October 17, 2026, when a rapidly spreading grass fire overtook troops during a live-fire training exercise at CFB Wainwright in Alberta.
When did Aidan Goulding’s remains return to B.C.?
His remains returned to British Columbia on Wednesday, November 4, 2026, arriving at Vancouver International Airport before travelling by motorcade to New Westminster.
When is Aidan Goulding’s funeral?
A funeral service is scheduled for 11 a.m. on Sunday, November 8, 2026, at Seaforth Armoury in Vancouver.
What investigations are examining the Wainwright fire?
Military Police are conducting an independent investigation, while a separate Canadian Armed Forces Board of Inquiry is examining how the incident occurred and what lessons can be learned.
Fact-Checked: Key details were checked against Canadian Armed Forces information and the funeral service notice issued by the family’s funeral provider.
Disclaimer: The investigation into the CFB Wainwright fire remains ongoing, and additional findings may change the confirmed account of the incident.