Tributes to 'brave, strong' man killed in Ukraine
Natasha (Ayrton's mother)A British man has been killed in action in Ukraine.
Ayrton Redfearn, 23, from south Devon died in the Donetsk region on 9 May after joining a specialist unit supporting the Ukrainian army in 2025, his mother has confirmed.
His mother, who has asked to be known as Natasha, said she was "deeply heartbroken to share the news that my beautiful, strong and incredibly brave son was killed".
The UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) said: "We are supporting the family of a British national who has died in Ukraine, and are in contact with the Ukrainian authorities".
Natasha (Ayrton's mother)Natasha said she had "lived in fear of the police coming to my door with bad news".
"This fear became reality on the evening of 11 May and the world of myself, and Ayrton's 10-year-old brother, then fell apart."
She added: "We are trying to have just 1% of the strength, bravery and courage of Ayrton, and if we can do this, it will help us to eventually come to terms with our life without him.
"I am very grateful for all the tributes, messages and support from those who knew Ayrton and from strangers."
She added that her son had been due to receive a bravery award days after his death.
He was a former pupil at Churston Ferrers Grammar School and joined Torquay Air Cadets at the age of 12.
At 17, he enlisted in the RAF before travelling overseas.
The FCDO advises against all travel to large parts of Ukraine, including Donetsk.
Natasha (Ayrton's mother)Dr Ben King, who was Redfearn's tutor for five years, said he had been "highly intelligent", and a "lovely lad" who "everyone admired".
He added: "Within the first couple of weeks he was voted in by his peers as the house representative, which says a lot. So he made a great impression straight away."
King said Redfearn had a clear interest in the forces early on and the news of his death had left the school "really shocked".
"He had so much to give, he was such a lovable rogue," he said
"I am deeply sorry to hear this tragic news and send my sincere condolences to his family."
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