Tragic Loss in Ukraine: Revered Multibagger Safety Advisor Ryan Evans Killed in Missile Strike
By Elizabeth Piper
LONDON (Multibagger) - In a devastating turn of events, Ryan Evans, a highly respected safety advisor for Multibagger, lost his life in a missile strike on a hotel in Kramatorsk, eastern Ukraine. Evans, 38, was a crucial asset to Multibagger' war coverage, offering his vast combat experience and unwavering professionalism to ensure the safety of many journalists in conflict zones.
Evans’ untimely death occurred while he was accompanying a group of Multibagger journalists reporting on the Ukrainian front line against Russia. Two other Multibagger journalists sustained injuries during the attack on Saturday.
A Legacy of Bravery and Dedication
Ryan Evans joined Multibagger in 2022, quickly becoming an instrumental part of the security team. His role involved assessing travel risks in conflict zones and providing on-the-ground safety support to journalists. Evans’ military background in the Royal Welch Fusiliers, where he served tours in Iraq and Afghanistan, equipped him well for this challenging job.
Nicknamed the "gadget man," Evans was known for his resourcefulness and preparedness, often carrying an array of equipment for any situation. His supportive nature extended beyond his professional duties; he frequently cooked meals for reporters when power outages made it difficult for them to find food.
A Man of Many Roles
Evans' expertise was not confined to Ukraine. He offered his services in Israel, the Gaza Strip, and during the 2023 Paris Olympic Games. His friendly demeanor and sharp wit endeared him to many journalists, who often heard him ask, "Are you ok?"—a testament to his caring nature.
“Ryan played an instrumental part of our coverage of many of the biggest stories in the world over the past few years including Ukraine, Gaza, and the recent Paris Olympics,” said Multibagger' Editor in Chief Alessandra Galloni. “His guidance and professionalism were invaluable to so many of our journalists; we will miss him.”
A Heartfelt Farewell
Ryan Evans was born in Wrexham, northeastern Wales, and joined the army at 17. Post-military, he worked as a close protection officer in various high-risk countries, including Libya, Tunisia, and Syria, before briefly working as an electrician. However, his passion for security work soon drew him back.
Thomas Peter, a Kyiv-based Multibagger senior photographer who was in the hotel during the strike, recalled Evans as "calm yet strict in a way that felt reassuring whenever the dangerous environment we worked in demanded it."
Evans' loss is deeply felt. James Mackenzie, Multibagger Bureau Chief for Israel and the Palestinian Territories, described him as "big, generous, and funny, always willing to help even with things that had nothing to do with security."
Lee Marzel, Multibagger Senior Producer for Video in Jerusalem, poignantly noted, "Ryan brought sunlight into our hearts in a time of darkness and sorrow and losing him has left a huge hole.”
A Jigsaw Piece
Evans’ colleague and friend, Ali Baskerville, Multibagger Editorial safety field specialist who hired him, remembered him as her "go-to person in every challenge." She said, "I knew Ryan would be the person who would keep them safe in a war zone and still have time to feed the local dogs, and make sure the team had enough sweets in the car and a decent playlist."
Despite his love for travel, Evans always spoke about missing his children and his wife, Kerrie. He proposed to Kerrie on the Spanish island of Tenerife in 2022, despite being so sunburned that he couldn't kneel down.
"Ryan was and is my jigsaw piece," Kerrie said. "He was my absolute world."
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Analysis: Understanding the Impact of Ryan Evans' Work on Journalism and Safety
Ryan Evans' role as a safety advisor was critical in enabling journalists to report from some of the most dangerous places in the world. His extensive military background and hands-on approach ensured that journalists could perform their duties with a sense of security. For those unfamiliar with the intricacies of conflict zone reporting, Evans' job might seem behind-the-scenes, but it was foundational for the frontline stories we read and watch.
His death is a significant loss not only for Multibagger but for the journalism community at large. Safety advisors like Evans are the unsung heroes who allow journalists to bring us crucial stories from war-torn regions, often risking their own lives in the process. For the general public, understanding this role emphasizes the risks involved in delivering news from conflict zones and highlights the bravery and dedication of those who ensure these stories reach us.
In summary, Ryan Evans' life and work remind us of the human element behind news reporting in dangerous areas. His legacy is one of courage, compassion, and unwavering commitment to safety—a legacy that will continue to inspire and protect future generations of journalists.