The body of a missing New Zealand aid worker in Ukraine has been found.
Andrew Bagshaw's family say he died while volunteering in the east of the country, delivering humanitarian aid.
It says the car he was in was hit by an artillery shell - while trying to rescue an elderly woman in Soledar.
Read the full statement from the Bagshaw family below.
It has been confirmed that our son Dr Andrew Bagshaw has died. He and a colleague, Chris Parry, were attempting to rescue an elderly woman from Soledar, in an area of intense military action, when their car was hit by an artillery shell.
The Ukrainian authorities, and government officials in New Zealand and London have been working hard to learn more details but little further is known about the circumstances of his death.
Due to official legal processes in Ukraine, it will be some time before Andrew’s remains are returned to New Zealand.
Andrew selflessly took many personal risks and saved many lives; we love him and are very proud indeed of what he did.
Andrew, age 47, was single, with a brother, two sisters and 7 nephews and nieces. He was a scientific researcher in Genetics but had been working as a volunteer aid worker in Ukraine since last April.
We intend that his death shall not be in vain. We are amongst many parents who grieve the deaths of their sons and daughters. We urge the civilized countries of the world to stop this immoral war and to help the Ukrainians to rid their homeland of an aggressor.
Might is Not Right; Freedom is Indivisible. The world needs to be strong and stand with Ukraine, giving them the military support, they need now and helping to rebuild their shattered country after the war.
Andrew’s family wish for any donations to either the Children’s Hospital in Kyiv or UAnimals.
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