The 47-year-old’s dying was confirmed in a press release issued by his dad and mom, Christchurch-based Dame Sue and Professor Phil Bagshaw, on Wednesday morning.
“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,” they stated.
“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.”
Parry, who was British, additionally died within the incident, the BBC reported.
The final contact with Andrew Bagshaw was on Friday, January 6, about 6pm in New Zealand and 8am native time. He and Parry, 28, had been reported lacking the next day.
Bagshaw was conducting “hot extractions” in Soledar, a metropolis within the japanese Bakhmut area – evacuations usually carried out whereas beneath hearth from Russian forces.
The affirmation of Bagshaw’s dying comes 5 days after the UN stated it had despatched the primary interagency humanitarian assist into Soledar following latest combating and its widespread destruction.
Three vans delivering meals, water, hygiene kits and medical provides had been despatched in a convoy to ease the “dire needs” of an estimated 800 individuals nonetheless dwelling in Soledar and surrounding areas.
“Andrew selflessly took many personal risks and saved many lives; we love him and are very proud indeed of what he did,” his dad and mom stated.
Bagshaw was a scientific researcher in genetics, however had been working as a volunteer assist employee in Ukraine since April.
Earlier this month, his dad and mom stated he was “a very intelligent, independently minded person”, who went to Ukraine as a volunteer to help the individuals, believing it was the suitable factor to do morally.
Due to official authorized processes in Ukraine, it will be a while earlier than Bagshaw’s stays had been returned to New Zealand, they stated on Wednesday.
Bagshaw, who was born within the UK and labored in Christchurch, was single, with a brother, two sisters, and 7 nephews and nieces.
“We intend that his death shall not be in vain. We are amongst many parents who grieve the deaths of their sons and daughters,” his dad and mom stated.
“We urge the civilised 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 must be sturdy and stand with Ukraine, giving them the navy help, they want now and, assist to rebuild their shattered nation after the struggle.”
Long time family friend Barry Taylor said the news was “extremely unhappy”.Even as a young boy, Bagshaw was a “delight”.
“He was all the time a pleasure to be round.”
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Taylor said Bagshaw reflected his family’s values and sense of social justice.
“It simply goes to indicate that when you’re so dedicated and passionate, you’ll have interaction in issues which can be scary as a result of your compassion outweighs your worry.
The Christchurch City Council acknowledged the dying of Bagshaw at its first council assembly of the 12 months on Wednesday. Mayor Phil Mauger stated he felt very sorry for the Bagshaw household. The International Legion Defense of Ukraine additionally paid tribute to Andrew Bagshaw and requested the Ukrainian individuals to assist honour him so he was not forgotten.
“Our Beloved Brother Andrew Bagshaw, who had been serving in Ukraine as a Volunteer succumbed on the Battlefield. Honor, Glory and Gratitude To Our Brother,” it stated.
Internationally recognised photojournalist Laurel Chor adopted Baghsaw and Parry in late 2022 as they rescued individuals from areas destroyed by fixed shelling.
She paid tribute to the pair after they went first lacking and described the circumstances they had been working in as harmful and scary.
“The evacuations can also be emotional; it’s always hard to watch people bid goodbye to family and friends who refuse to leave.”Chor stated Bagshaw was quiet and reserved however would cease at nothing to assist those that others wouldn’t or couldn’t assist.
On one event Chor described watching him and one other volunteer go on a wild goose chase on foot in southern Backhmut to search out an aged, wheelchair-using girl, knocking on doorways in locations automobiles could not go.
“Later, I was with Andrew again in southern Bakhmut after dark, trying to convince a young woman and her father who refused to leave despite the sound of small-arms fire getting louder and louder.”
She described each Bagshaw and Parry as heroes.
