Two American volunteers recently died while fighting against Russian forces in Ukraine. The State Department has confirmed that it is in contact with the families of the two deceased citizens but has not disclosed their names.
Edward Walter Wilton was identified as one of the deceased by pro-Russian military bloggers. They claimed he was an American “mercenary” who had been killed in recent battles in the besieged Ukrainian city of Bakhmut.
The State Department has confirmed the death of a US citizen in Ukraine and is providing consular assistance to the family while respecting their privacy.
Grady Kurpasi, a Marine veteran, was also killed while defending Ukraine against Russian forces, according to a GoFundMe page set up on behalf of his family. Kurpasi went to train soldiers but ultimately led a squad into battle and was killed in action, as stated on the fundraising page.
The State Department has contacted Kurpasi’s family, including his wife, Heeson Kim. However, a State Department spokesperson confirmed the death of a US citizen without providing specific details.
The spokesperson explained that when a US citizen dies overseas, including in Ukraine, the Department of State supports the legal representative and family of the deceased in various ways, such as providing information on the disposition of remains and estates and issuing a consular report of death. The US government takes its role in such situations very seriously, offering all appropriate assistance through the legal representative, next of kin, or their designee.
