An Australian man working as a combat medic helping frontline troops has been killed in Ukraine.
Queenslander Jed William Danahay, 27, was killed on 24 August in Izyum in eastern Ukraine by Russian forces while driving a medical vehicle, his family said.
“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,” his family said in a statement.
“Jed’s comrades in Ukraine described him as the backbone of their unit, a hero and someone who they could all trust their lives too.”Ukraine’s ambassador to Australia calls for removal of ‘offensive’ mural of Russian and Ukrainian soldiers
The medic died for what he believed in, helping people who needed it, his family said.
“He was at his heart an optimist and always believed that things should be better,” they said.
“He will be missed dearly by his friends and family.”
The Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (Dfat) is providing consular assistance to the family, which can include guidance and liaison with local and Australian authorities to help with funeral and repatriation arrangements.
“We send our deepest condolences to the family and request their privacy be respected during this difficult time,” a Dfat spokesman said.
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