British Aid Worker Killed in Ukraine Drone Strike, Family in Mourning

A British aid worker, Annie Lewis Marffy, aged 69, was killed in a Russian drone strike while on a humanitarian mission in Ukraine. The incident occurred in the Donbas region, and her family has been left in a state of uncertainty as her body has not yet been recovered. Annie’s family, particularly her son Charlie Lewis Marffy, is urging authorities to assist in confirming her death and securing a death certificate, which they believe is essential for their grieving process.

Annie, who resided in Silverton near Exeter, was part of a self-funded mission organized by the charity Aid Ukraine. She entered Ukraine on June 4, 2023, traveling from Poland in a green Toyota RAV4. Initially accompanied by a former soldier, he fell ill shortly after the journey began and returned home, leaving Annie to continue alone.

According to reports from Aid Ukraine, Annie maintained regular communication with her family until June 8. The charity’s founder, Katarzyna Bylok, noted that Annie chose to remain in the conflict-ridden Donbas region rather than join other volunteers for a scheduled handover in Lviv. She declined to disclose her exact location as she approached the front lines near Kramatorsk.

Communication with Annie ceased around June 10, prompting Aid Ukraine to search for her over the following week. They believe she was struck on the Bakhmut highway, where her vehicle was targeted in aerial attacks. A local police report from the Kramatorsk District Police Department indicated that she likely died between June 11 and June 12, with the cause of death described as “injuries incompatible with life” resulting from the drone strike. The report also stated that her body remains in an area of active hostilities, complicating efforts to recover it for forensic examination.

Charlie’s emotional tribute to his mother highlighted her bravery and determination. He expressed pride in her adventurous spirit, saying, “She was brave, capable and determined, but we never wanted her to go. We were worried.” He emphasized the importance of obtaining more information regarding her fate and urged for more decisive action to be taken in recovering her body.

The family has explored private retrieval options but faced significant challenges, including the risks involved and high costs. Charlie described his mother as “amazing, witty, kind, intelligent, [and] adventurous,” and expressed his deep sorrow over her absence while acknowledging her fearless nature.

The family has reached out to the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) for assistance in resolving the situation and securing the necessary documentation to facilitate their grieving process. Without a death certificate, they feel unable to move forward with any official mourning rituals or the probate process.

As the family continues to seek closure, they remain hopeful that Annie’s body can be recovered soon, allowing them to honor her memory properly.