TRIBUTES have been paid to Ryan Evans, a 38-year-old from Wrexham, who tragically lost his life while working as a media security adviser in Ukraine. Mr Evans was in the eastern part of the country with a Reuters news crew when the hotel they were staying at was struck by a missile on Saturday.
Mr Evans, a former pupil of Ysgol Morgan Llwyd in Wrexham, went on to serve in the Royal Welsh regiment after completing his education. His family described him as “a gentle giant” who was always eager to help others.
The incident occurred at the Hotel Sapphire in Kramatorsk, a city under Ukrainian control but perilously close to the front line. Ukrainian authorities have attributed the missile strike to Russian forces, although Russia has not yet commented on the attack. Mr Evans’ body was recovered from the rubble on Sunday, following a harrowing 19-hour search operation.
In a poignant Facebook post, Mr Evans’ wife, Anne, expressed her profound grief, stating that he will be deeply missed by all his family, including their four children, the youngest of whom is just 18 months old.
“I can’t even begin to explain how much that man meant to me, how much I adored him with every part of me. He was my best friend and my soul mate, my everything,” she wrote. She added that he was a “knight in battered armour” who had endured countless battles, both literal and figurative.
Tributes have also been paid by staff at Ysgol Morgan Llwyd, where Mr Evans was fondly remembered. Headteacher Catrin Pritchard extended her “most sincere condolences” to Mr Evans’ family and friends, recalling him as “a very likeable person, with a big heart.”
Mr Evans’ military career saw him serve in Iraq, where he rose to the rank of corporal before transitioning to a career as a close protection specialist. In this role, he accompanied journalists and aid workers into some of the world’s most dangerous environments.
Chris Hunter, a bomb disposal expert and colleague of Mr Evans, described him as a “natural warrior” with an exceptional character. “He was tough, strong, and fierce, but also kind and funny,” Mr Hunter said. “Ryan’s bravery and dedication were unmatched. He deeply cared for those around him and was committed to making the world a safer place. Despite his formidable presence, he treated everyone with kindness and respect. His loss leaves a void that cannot be filled.”
The Ukrainian General Prosecutor’s Office has stated that the hotel was likely hit by a Russian short-range Iskander-M missile. Kramatorsk, located just 20 kilometres from Russian-occupied territory, has been the target of frequent attacks, often resulting in civilian casualties.
A spokesperson for Reuters expressed the agency’s devastation at the loss of Mr Evans. “We are urgently seeking more information about the attack,” they said, adding that two of their journalists are currently hospitalised, with one suffering from serious injuries. “Ryan has helped so many of our journalists cover events around the world; we will miss him terribly,” the spokesperson concluded.
This tragedy highlights the ongoing dangers faced by those working in conflict zones and the immense sacrifices made by those like Ryan Evans, who dedicated their lives to ensuring the safety of others.
