A Brave Volunteer Dies Saving Others
British volunteer Chris Garrett, 40, tragically lost his life while clearing Russian-laid mines in the war-ravaged region of Izyum, Ukraine. Garrett, originally from the Isle of Man, had become a well-known figure in humanitarian circles for his unwavering commitment to demining efforts across some of Ukraine’s most dangerous frontlines. His death on May 6, 2025, has shaken communities both in the UK and Ukraine and brought renewed attention to the life-risking efforts of civilian volunteers working in war zones.
Garrett’s passing marks a solemn reminder of the hidden dangers that linger long after the frontlines move—and the courageous individuals who step forward to confront them.
Global Recognition for a Man of Courage
Chris Garrett was not a soldier. He was not a government official. He was an ordinary British citizen who chose to put his life on the line to make the world safer. In a war filled with political headlines and battlefield statistics, Garrett’s story stands out as a beacon of human compassion and bravery.
As tributes pour in, his work and sacrifice are being recognized not only as acts of heroism but as a testament to the spirit of international solidarity.
Who Was Chris Garrett?
From Tree Surgeon to War-Zone Hero
Chris Garrett’s journey from a tree surgeon in the UK to a frontline deminer in Ukraine is as extraordinary as it is inspiring. After Russia’s full-scale invasion in February 2022, Garrett felt compelled to act. He founded the organization Prevail, which focused on neutralizing explosive remnants of war in cities like Bucha, Irpin, Hostomel, and Kyiv—places synonymous with brutal fighting and widespread destruction.
Garrett worked alongside Ukrainian and international organizations like The Halo Trust, often venturing into high-risk zones to dismantle improvised explosive devices (IEDs) and landmines.
His Mission with Prevail and Demining Work in Ukraine
Through Prevail, Garrett brought together volunteers, funders, and local experts to assist Ukrainian sappers in some of the most contaminated areas. His focus wasn’t just on removing explosives—he also trained others, coordinated risk-reduction efforts, and advocated for international support for demining operations.
By mid-2024, Prevail had contributed to the clearing of thousands of square meters of land, helping farmers return to their fields and civilians to rebuild homes. Garrett was known for saying, “Every mine removed is a life saved.”
The Fatal Explosion in Izyum
What Happened on May 6, 2025?
On the morning of May 6, Chris Garrett was conducting a demining operation in the Izyum region near Kharkiv, an area that saw intense Russian occupation earlier in the war. While working at a private residence suspected of containing leftover explosive traps, Garrett and two others encountered a booby-trapped improvised explosive device (IED).
The explosion killed Garrett instantly, along with another foreign volunteer, believed to be an Australian national. A third person, also a volunteer, was injured and is currently receiving treatment at a local hospital.
Ukrainian emergency services and demining teams were quickly dispatched, but the force of the blast made immediate recovery efforts difficult. Local authorities confirmed that the device was “intentionally placed to target anyone attempting removal”—a chilling reminder of the pervasive danger posed by hidden explosives across liberated Ukrainian territories.
Other Victims and the Scope of the Incident
This incident is one of the deadliest demining accidents reported in Ukraine this year. Since the Russian invasion began, Ukraine has become one of the most mine-contaminated countries in the world. According to government figures, over 76 civilians and eight deminers have been killed by explosive remnants of war, with hundreds more injured.
The death of Garrett and his colleague highlights the hazards faced not just by soldiers, but by civilians working to restore peace. Their deaths add urgency to international calls for funding, training, and equipment for demining operations.
The Life-Threatening Work of Demining
Ukraine’s Mine Crisis and the Role of Foreign Volunteers
With vast swathes of eastern and southern Ukraine left littered with landmines, tripwires, and IEDs, demining has become a crucial phase of the post-occupation recovery process. Ukrainian authorities estimate that 30% of the country’s territory may be contaminated.
While local bomb disposal teams, such as Ukraine’s 138 sapper units, work tirelessly, international volunteers like Garrett have played an essential role, bringing in expertise, technology, and courage. Organizations like The Halo Trust, MAG, and Garrett’s Prevail have formed the frontline of this painstaking work.
Volunteers often operate with limited protection and under enormous psychological pressure. Every misstep can be fatal. And yet, they persist—because they know the land they clear will one day host families, children, and farmers again.
Challenges Faced by Deminers on the Frontline
Demining is not just dangerous—it’s also slow, underfunded, and emotionally taxing. In many areas, retreating Russian forces have reportedly used mines not just for defense, but as deliberate tools of terror—hiding them in toys, clothing, and household appliances.
Demining requires specialized training, advanced detection gear, and mental resilience. Garrett had all three. His legacy, according to those who knew him, will be the countless lives he saved by risking his own.
