Prince Albert honours Pte. Shaun Farrell with homecoming

People lined the streets of Prince Albert, some holding back tears, as Pte. Shaun Farrell was brought home in a procession accompanied by police, firefighters and paramedics.

The 23-year-old was one of four soldiers who died just over a week ago when a fast-moving grass fire at Canadian Forces Base Wainwright overtook a live-fire training exercise on a nearby grenade range.

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His unit was preparing for deployment to Latvia. The other soldiers killed were Pte. Hayden Lykkemark, Pte. Aidan Goulding and Sgt. Morgan Wong. Military officials said strong winds drove a nearby range fire toward the soldiers. The circumstances remain under investigation.

Another 39 military members were injured. As of Oct. 22, 27 remained in hospital and 12 had been released, the Canadian Armed Forces said.

One woman from Ukraine cried as she watched the vehicles approach. She said her husband was serving overseas with the military and she expected him home soon, but did not know where he had been deployed.

Nikki, a resident who, like the Farrell family, is part of the local South African community, said she wanted to show her support.

Many members of the South African community in Prince Albert have shown support for the Farrells as they grieve the loss of their son.

People came out to pay respects in Prince Albert yesterday. Many members of the South African community in Prince Albert have shown support for the Farrells as they grieve the loss of their son. (Susan McNeil/paNOW)

“We’re just supporting the family,” she said, holding a Canadian flag.

“We know the family really well and want to bring our respect to their son as well. Our hearts are really for the family.”

Shawna, another onlooker, said that as a mother, she also felt it was important to show her support.

“When you have kids, that’s the worst thing you think about,” she said through tears.

Many people in Prince Albert stopped their day on Oct. 24, 2026 as Pte. Shaun Farrell was brought home for the final time. (Logan Lehmann/paNOW)

The procession entered the city from Highway 11 and travelled north on Highway 2 before turning west onto 28th Street toward Gray’s Funeral Chapel.

Police blocked streets and redirected traffic as the procession made its way through the city.

The Prince Albert Police Service, Prince Albert Fire Department, Parkland Ambulance Care, RCMP, Saskatchewan Marshals Service and Buckland Fire and Rescue participated.

Community members are invited to a vigil for Farrell on today at 4 p.m. at Memorial Square next to City Hall.