Emergency responders salute remains of Pte. Aidan Goulding in Richmond

Emergency responders lined Grant McConachie Way with flashing vehicle lights on Wednesday afternoon to salute the flag-draped hearse carrying the remains of Private Aidan Goulding after the North Vancouver soldier was killed during a military training accident in Alberta last month. Richmond News reported that the procession traveled from Vancouver International Airport through Richmond toward a funeral home in New Westminster.

Goulding died on October 17, 2026, at Wainwright Canadian Forces Base outside Edmonton. He was 19 years old and served with the 3rd Battalion Princess Patricia’s Canadian Light Infantry, based in Edmonton. Thirty-nine other Canadian Armed Forces members sustained injuries during the incident.

The Tragic Live-Fire Exercise at Wainwright

The fatal incident occurred while soldiers participated in a live-fire training exercise named Apollo Shooter. High winds swept across the training grounds and rapidly spread a fire that ignited during the exercise. The blaze claimed the lives of four service members from the Princess Patricia’s Canadian Light Infantry.

Alongside Goulding, the fire killed Sergeant Morgan Wong of the Loyal Edmonton Regiment, Private Shaun Farrell, and Private Hayden Lykkemark.

Procession Through Richmond and Community Tributes

The hearse carrying Goulding arrived at Vancouver International Airport at approximately 12:40 p.m. on Wednesday. Police cruisers, fire engines, and ambulance units formed a static guard along the main airport corridor as the procession passed.

Personnel from multiple agencies participated in the roadside tribute. Richmond RCMP, Delta Police, BC Emergency Health Services, Richmond Fire-Rescue, YVR Fire-Rescue, Vancouver Police, Canada Border Services Agency, RCMP K-9 units, and Vancouver Transit Police all sent representatives to salute the fallen soldier.

In August, following the completion of a rigorous training program, Goulding shared his reflections on social media.

A lot of long days, tough moments and even better people, Goulding wrote in an Instagram post. I’m grateful for everyone I had a chance to train alongside and the friendships that came from it. Proud of what we accomplished together.

A parent of a fellow recruit noted on social media that Goulding was known for bringing positive energy and humor to basic training.