British ex-RAF man Ayrton Redfearn, 23, killed in Donetsk, Ukraine

British ex-RAF man Ayrton Redfearn, 23, killed in Donetsk, Ukraine

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A British national, Ayrton Redfearn, 23, from south Devon, has been killed in the Donetsk region of Ukraine, his mother has confirmed.

Redfearn died on 9 May after joining a specialist unit supporting the Ukrainian army in 2025, according to his family. His mother, who asked to be identified only as Natasha, said she was “deeply heartbroken to share the news that my beautiful, strong and incredibly brave son was killed”.

Natasha said she had long feared being notified by police. “This fear became reality on the evening of 11 May and the world of myself, and Ayrton’s 10-year-old brother, then fell apart,” she said.

The UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office confirmed it is assisting the family. “We are supporting the family of a British national who has died in Ukraine, and are in contact with the Ukrainian authorities,” a spokesperson said.

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Natasha said her son had been due to receive a bravery award days after his death, and thanked people who have offered support. “We are trying to have just 1% of the strength, bravery and courage of Ayrton, and if we can do this, it will help us to eventually come to terms with our life without him,” she said, adding: “I am very grateful for all the tributes, messages and support from those who knew Ayrton and from strangers.”

Redfearn was a former pupil at Churston Ferrers Grammar School and joined Torquay Air Cadets when he was 12. At 17, he enlisted in the Royal Air Force before travelling overseas, according to information shared by those who knew him.

Dr Ben King, who was described as Redfearn’s tutor for five years, said he had been “highly intelligent” and “a lovely lad” who “everyone admired”. He said Redfearn was quickly selected by peers for a leadership role at school. “Within the first couple of weeks he was voted in by his peers as the house representative, which says a lot,” he said.

A former instructor from Redfearn’s RAF training also posted condolences, describing him as “a really good lad and very funny”, and asked to pay respects at his funeral.

The FCDO continues to advise against all travel to large parts of Ukraine, including Donetsk.

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