Trevor Kjeldal: Australian man killed in Ukraine hailed a hero
Forty-year-old Brisbane man Trevor Kjeldal is believed to have been fighting on the front lines against Russia’s invasion when he died.
A Brisbane man killed during fighting in Ukraine has been hailed as a hero by Australia’s Ukrainian community.
Trevor Kjeldal, 40, was believed to be fighting on the front lines against Russia‘s invasion when he died.
His family described him as “treasured and loved” in a statement confirming his death.
“Our depth of sadness at his loss is unfathomable,” a family spokesman said.
“We would like to thank DFAT for their ongoing assistance in bringing him home to us.
“At this incredibly sad time, we would request that the media respect our privacy as we grieve.”
The Australian Federation of Ukrainian Organisations, which represents 22 community groups, described Mr Kjeldal as “another brave Australian man who has died defending Ukraine from the Russian invasion”.
“The community pays respect to the bravery and courage of Mr Kjeldal, who travelled to Ukraine to join the armed forces and assist in the defence of Ukrainian people,” the organisation wrote in a statement.
“We salute him as a hero and feel deep pain and sorrow that he has paid the ultimate sacrifice for his drive to help and be of service. He will always be remembered as a hero by our community.
“In Ukrainian, we wish him Вічная пам’ять (Eternal Memory).”
Mr Kjeldal was one of at least three Australians who have died volunteering in the war-torn country this year.
Jed Danahay, from Nanango northwest of Brisbane, was killed in August while serving as a medic.
In May, Tasmania Michael O’Neill was killed while helping to transport injured Ukrainians a truck driver.
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said Mr Kjeldal’s death was “tragic”, but warned against others travelling to Ukraine.
“My condolences go to this gentleman’s family and his friends,” Mr Albanese said on Saturday.
“I remind people that the DFAT advice is that people do not travel to Ukraine. It is a dangerous place.”
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