A TOUCHING tribute has been paid to British safety adviser Ryan Evans from Wrexham who was sadly killed in Ukraine this weekend (August 24).

Ryan was working with Reuters covering the Ukraine war and died after a missile strike on a hotel.

Mr Evans, who was from Wrexham and attended Ysgol Morgan Llwyd, was part of the reporting crew staying at the Hotel Sapphire, in Kramatorsk, eastern Ukraine, which was hit by a strike on Saturday.

The former British soldier had been working with Reuters since 2022.

Touching tributes have been shared on social media following the devastating news, including from Ryan's wife, Kerrie Evans. Together, they had a son, Logan, just 18-months old.

Ryan Evans from WrexhamRyan Evans from Wrexham (Image: Reuters)

On Facebook, she said: "I don’t even know where to begin with this. As some of you may know already, Ryan sadly passed away on Saturday, 24th August.

"I can’t even begin to explain how much that man meant to me, how much I adored him with every part of me. He was my best friend and my soul mate, my everything.

"We used to laugh and joke about how he came into my life as a Knight in battered armour, because let’s face it, he was in shiny armour once, but he had been through more battles then I can even count.

"He was such a gentle giant. If anyone needed anything ever he was there, he would always put others first and himself second.

"Ryan leaves behind his little bear Logan, at just 18 months old he is the double of Ryan, with all his little characteristics.

"I know he was loved by so many people all over the world, especially the furry kind. There was never a day he wasn't finding a furry animal to hug/stroke and feed up. That man was a crazy cat/dog man through and through.

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"No measurement in the world will understand how much he will be missed and how much he’s loved by us all. As I’m sure you can imagine, our family is trying to process what has happened, and we are so unsure of what the future holds now with a massive Ryan shape missing.

"Ryan Don Evans, you are the love of my life, my everything, and I will miss you and love you - ALWAYS."

Family friend Laura Lilley has set up a GoFundMe page following the tragic news by way of supporting Kerrie and son, Logan. You can donate here.

Laura said: "Ryan was an extraordinary husband, father, son, and friend whose life was dedicated to helping others. His selflessness and dedication to those in need were reflected in everything he did.

"As Kerrie and Logan face an unimaginable future without Ryan, we are hoping to rally around them during this incredibly difficult time.

"The funds raised through this campaign will go towards helping Kerrie and Logan navigate the uncertain road ahead, allowing Kerrie to take time away from work to focus on Logan and make important decisions about their future.

"We are all devastated by this loss and hope that your generosity will ease some of the financial burdens, giving Kerrie the space and time she needs to grieve and begin to heal. Any support you can offer, whether through donations or sharing this page, would mean the world to them during this painful time."

Our deepest sympathies go out to Ryan's loved ones during this difficult time.