Bomb disposal expert killed in Ukraine 'died a hero'

Chris Garrett was killed in an incident in the east of the country on Tuesday

An Isle of Man bomb disposal specialist who was killed while volunteering in Ukraine has been described as a "hero" who saved "countless lives".

Chris Garrett died after he was involved in an incident near Izyum, in the east of the country, on Tuesday.

The 40-year-old, who had been working to clear mines and train Ukrainian troops since 2014, had co-founded a humanitarian and mine clearance charity called Prevail Together with his partner Courtney Pollock.

Board member Shaun Pinner said Mr Garrett's "legacy will carry on" through the charity's work and he would be "like a talisman" for the organisation.

He praised Mr Garrett, who was known as "Swampy" to his friends and leaves behind a young daughter, for his record clearing some 5,000 to 6,000 tonnes of land mines throughout his time in the war-torn country.

He was a "very disciplined and motivated person" who "loved talking to people and making new friends", Mr Pinner said.

The death was "like losing a family member", he added.

Shaun Pinner and Chris Garrett worked together in the war-torn country

"He was doing one of the most dangerous jobs in the world. He will be immensely missed."

Originally from the Manx town of Peel, Mr Garrett had previously volunteered in Burma.

In Ukraine he also helped in civilian evacuations and the procurement of humanitarian supplies.

Chris Garrett had worked to make Ukraine safer for more than a decade

Karolina Davison from the Manx Support for Ukraine charity said Mr Garrett was "a hero" and one of the most "humble and selfless" people she had known.

It was "a big loss" and he would "always be remembered", she said.

A statement issued by the charity's board of trustees said Mr Garrett's "unwavering courage, deep humility, and relentless drive embodied the very spirit of humanitarian service".

Chris Garrett co-founded the Prevail Together charity

"Chris's legacy will endure in every life saved, in every mine cleared, and in every act of humanitarian compassion inspired by his example. Rest easy, Swampy," they said.

"You showed us how to lead with heart and we'll honour that everyday."

Isle of Man Chief Minister Alfred Cannan said he was "shocked and deeply saddened by the news" and Mr Garrett's "heroic, selfless and tireless work" had "undoubtedly saved many lives and eased suffering".