A Canadian soldier killed in a live-fire training exercise at the Wainwright military base Friday night has been identified as a 29-year-old man from New Westminster, B.C.
Cpl. James Choi, a trained infantry soldier with the Royal Westminster Regiment, died from a gunshot wound sustained during the training.
Choi joined the Canadian Armed Forces in 2016 and was in Alberta this fall for continuation training focusing on core light infantry skills, Canada’s Department of National Defence said in a news release Sunday morning. He was training with the Edmonton-based 3rd Battalion, Princess Patricia’s Canadian Light Infantry.
“The Canadian Armed Forces mourns the loss of Cpl. James Choi. He represented Canada with honour, dedicating himself to his profession. We grieve alongside his family, friends and comrades,” Gen. Jonathan Vance, Chief of the Defence Staff, said in the release.
The training exercise remains under investigation. Wainwright is located about 220 kilometres southeast of Edmonton.
My deepest condolences to Corporal James Choi’s family, friends, and @CanadianForces colleagues. As you mourn this tragic loss, know that we are here for you. We will never forget Corporal Choi’s service and sacrifice. https://t.co/NhUQnmoMml
— Justin Trudeau (@JustinTrudeau) November 1, 2020
