(The Canadian Press/Jeff McIntosh)

By RD NewsNOW staff

29 Y/O CPL. JAMES CHOI

Soldier dies after live fire exercise at CFB Wainwright

Nov 1, 2020 | 11:37 AM

A Canadian soldier has died during a training exercise at a military base in Alberta.

The Department of National Defence offered more details Sunday following next of kin notification, saying that 29-year-old Cpl. James Choi sustained a gunshot wound late Friday night while taking part in live fire training at CFB Wainwright.

Choi was treated for injuries at the scene and eventually airlifted to a hospital in Edmonton, but died on Saturday morning.

Choi was a member of the Royal Westminster Regiment of New Westminster, B.C, and in a news release, the department says he joined the Canadian Armed Forces in 2016. He had been training alongside the 3rd Battalion, Princess Patricia’s Light Infantry at the time of the fatal incident.

“The Canadian Armed Forces, the Defence Team and Canadians are mourning the loss of one of our own, Cpl James Choi. My heartfelt condolences are with his family, his friends and his fellow soldiers in the Royal Westminster Regiment and 3rd Battalion, Princess Patricia’s Canadian Light Infantry,” says Harjit Sajjan, Minister of National Defence. “The Department of National Defence and the Canadian Armed Forces will be there for his family during these difficult times as we grieve alongside you.”

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Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and National Defence Staff Chief Gen. Jonathan Vance issued tweets on Saturday offering condolences.

“The loss of Cpl James Choi; a dedicated, hard-working and highly-respected soldier; is devastating,” added Lieutenant-General Wayne Eyre, Commander, Canadian Army. “Our thoughts and prayers are with his family, friends and fellow soldiers at this most difficult time. The entire Canadian Army family grieves with his loved ones and will support them in any way they need.”

(with files from The Canadian Press and rdnewsNOW/Josh Hall)