The family of Private Shaun Farrell held an emotional news conference in Prince Albert late Thursday afternoon.

The 23-year-old was one of four soldiers killed in a fire last Saturday at Canadian Forces Base Wainwright. Twenty-seven soldiers are still in hospital and 13 remain in critical condition.

The Farrell family moved to Prince Albert from South Africa in 2017. His mother, Patricia, says her son had dyslexia and Asperger’s Syndrome, but overcame both to graduate from high school and then join the Canadian Armed Forces. Se says Shaun “knew what he wanted and went for it”

Private Farrell was preparing for deployment when the tragedy occurred. His mother is still coming to grips with her son’s death.

The family is grateful for the support of the community and messages from Private Farrell’s fellow armed service members.

The Farrell family has taken to social media to warn the public of fraudulent fundraisers using his name and photo. A GoFundMe campaign organized by Heloise Vermeulen is the only legitimate fundraiser.