British National Ayrton Redfearn Killed Fighting in Ukraine's Donetsk Region

Ayrton Redfearn, a 23-year-old from south Devon, has been killed in action in Ukraine. Mr. Redfearn died on 9 May in the Donetsk region, where he had joined a specialist unit supporting the Ukrainian armed forces since 2025.

His mother, who has requested to be identified as Natasha, confirmed the news, stating, “I am deeply heartbroken to share the news that my beautiful, strong and incredibly brave son was killed.” She added that her “fear became reality” on 11 May, causing her and Ayrton’s 10-year-old brother’s world to “fall apart.”

The Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) acknowledged Mr. Redfearn’s death, stating, “We are supporting the family of a British national who has died in Ukraine, and are in contact with the Ukrainian authorities.” The FCDO continues to advise against all travel to large areas of Ukraine, including Donetsk.

Natasha noted that her son was due to receive a bravery award days after his death. Mr. Redfearn, a former pupil at Churston Ferrers Grammar School, joined Torquay Air Cadets at 12 before enlisting in the RAF at 17 and later travelling overseas.

Dr. Ben King, Mr. Redfearn’s tutor for five years, described him as “highly intelligent” and a “lovely lad” who was “admired by everyone,” recalling that his peers voted him house representative early on. Dr. King expressed the school’s shock at the news, stating, “He had so much to give, he was such a lovable rogue.”