Queensland man killed by Russian forces in Ukraine
An Australian family is mourning their 'hero' son after he was killed in Ukraine by Russian forces.
Jed William Danahay, originally from the rural town of East Nanango in Queensland, was murdered last month on August 24 in Izyum in Eastern Ukraine, while helping others, Toowoomba Chronicle reports.
The 27-year-old was working as a combat medic to assist injured frontline troops, and was driving a medical vehicle at the time Russian troops targeted him.
According to a family statement provided by the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT), Mr Danahay had helped many in his accomplished life.
"Jed lived his life trying to help other people, in his short time on this earth Jed did more things than most of us will ever do in a lifetime," the Danahay family said.
His parents and and two older brothers said his adventurous nature led him on travels all around the world.
"He dog sledded in the arctic circle under the northern lights, he journeyed through Europe and saw North America. He spent time in Egypt and Lebanon, Jed had friends across the globe and will be sorely missed," they said.
They also said Mr Danahay was an essential part of his unit in Ukraine that everyone felt they could rely on.
"Jed’s comrades in Ukraine described him as the backbone of their unit, a hero and someone who they could all trust their lives to," the family continued in the statement.
"Jed died doing what he believed in, helping people who needed it. He was at his heart an optimist and always believed that things should be better.
"He will be missed dearly by his friends and family."
When asked how to help, the family encouraged people to support Ukrainian communities during this time.
A DFAT spokeswoman told the Chronicle they send their "deepest condolences to the family and request their privacy be respected during this difficult time".
Do you have a story tip? Email: newsroomau@yahoonews.com.
You can also follow us on Facebook, Instagram, TikTok and Twitter and download the Yahoo News app from the App Store or Google Play.
