Ryan Evans, a 38-year-old safety adviser for Reuters, lost his life in a missile strike on a hotel in Kramatorsk, eastern Ukraine, on August 26, 2024. Evans, who had been with Reuters since 2022, was instrumental in the news agency's coverage of various global conflicts, including the ongoing Russia-Ukraine war.
Evans' career was marked by his extensive military background and his dedication to ensuring the safety of journalists in high-risk areas. After serving in the Royal Welch Fusiliers, one of the British Army's oldest infantry regiments, Evans transitioned to roles in close protection and media safety.
His colleagues at Reuters praised Evans for his professionalism, preparedness, and unwavering support. Thomas Peter, a senior photographer based in Kyiv, described Evans as "calm yet strict in a way that felt reassuring" in dangerous environments. Evans' ability to balance safety protocols with empathy made him an invaluable asset to the Reuters team.
Throughout his career, Evans worked in various conflict zones, including Iraq, Afghanistan, Libya, Tunisia, Syria, Israel, and the Gaza Strip. His experience in these regions, coupled with his military background, provided him with unique insights into the complexities of reporting from war-torn areas.
Evans' impact extended beyond his professional duties. Colleagues fondly remembered him as the "gadget man," always prepared with essential equipment, and as an impromptu chef who would cook for reporters during power outages in Ukraine. His constant concern for others was evident in his frequent "Are you ok?" check-ins with journalists.
"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."
The loss of Evans has deeply affected the Reuters community and the broader journalism world. His contributions to war reporting and journalist safety were significant, particularly in the context of the Russia-Ukraine conflict, which has been ongoing since the full-scale invasion began on February 24, 2022.
Evans' work took him to various hotspots, including Bakhmut, which became a symbol of Ukrainian resistance during intense fighting in 2022-2023. His presence in these areas helped ensure that crucial stories were reported while prioritizing the safety of journalists.
Beyond his professional life, Evans was a devoted family man. He is survived by his wife Kerrie, to whom he proposed in Tenerife in 2022, and their four children. Kerrie described Evans as her "jigsaw piece" and "absolute world," highlighting the personal loss behind the professional tragedy.
The missile strike that claimed Evans' life also injured two Reuters journalists, underscoring the ongoing dangers faced by media personnel in conflict zones. This incident serves as a stark reminder of the risks taken by those who work to bring news from the frontlines to the world.
As the international community reflects on Evans' life and work, his legacy as a dedicated safety adviser and supportive colleague will continue to inspire those in the field of journalism and conflict reporting.