In Memoriam: Ryan Evans, Safety Adviser for Reuters

By Elizabeth Piper

LONDON (Reuters) – Ryan Evans, who tragically lost his life in a missile strike on a hotel in eastern Ukraine, was a safety adviser whose extensive combat experience and professional demeanor made him essential to Reuters’ war coverage. He was a reliable source of support for numerous journalists.

Evans, 38, was residing in the hotel in Kramatorsk with a group of Reuters journalists who were covering the ongoing conflict between Ukrainian troops and Russia. Two other Reuters journalists sustained injuries during the attack on Saturday.

This journey was one of over 20 that Evans made to Ukraine since joining Reuters in 2022 as a security adviser. He was part of a team that evaluated travel risks in conflict zones and accompanied journalists in the field to ensure their safety.

Having previously served in the Royal Welch Fusiliers with tours in Iraq and Afghanistan, Evans was well-prepared for this role, which he cherished. Often referred to as the “gadget man,” he was known for his many pockets filled with various gear ready for any situation. He would also frequently take on the role of impromptu chef, cooking for reporters with a camp stove when electricity was unavailable.

Evans, a husband and father of four, also provided safety support for Reuters in Israel and the Gaza Strip, as well as during this year’s Olympic Games in Paris.

His friendly nature and quick wit helped him forge strong friendships with many of the journalists he assisted. He frequently checked in with them, asking, “Are you ok?”

His parents, David and Geraldine Evans, reflected on his love for the outdoors and noted his interest in military matters from a young age.

Reuters’ Editor in Chief Alessandra Galloni expressed: “Ryan played an instrumental role in our coverage of many significant global stories over the past few years, including Ukraine, Gaza, and the recent Paris Olympics. His guidance and professionalism were invaluable to many journalists; we will miss him deeply.”

Life and Career

Born in Wrexham, Wales, Evans enlisted in the army at 17 as an infantry soldier. After leaving the military in 2010, he worked as a close protection officer for British diplomats in various countries, including Libya, Tunisia, and Syria, before returning to a role he loved in media safety.

Thomas Peter, a Reuters senior photographer in Kyiv, said, “He was calm yet strict in a reassuring way whenever the hazardous environment demanded it.”

James Mackenzie, Reuters Bureau Chief for Israel and the Palestinian Territories, described Evans as not only a safety adviser but also a generous and humorous individual who offered help beyond security matters.

Lee Marzel, Reuters Senior Producer for Video in Jerusalem, commented, “He brought sunlight into our hearts during dark times, and losing him has created a significant void.”

Ali Baskerville, Reuters Editorial safety field specialist, who hired Evans, referred to him as her “go-to person in every challenge.” She recognized him as the one who could ensure safety in a war zone while still caring for local dogs and providing treats for the team.

Despite his fondness for travel, Evans often expressed how much he missed his children and wife, Kerrie.

He proposed to her on the Spanish island of Tenerife in 2022 during a break from Ukraine. The proposal was made memorable by his extreme sunburn, which made kneeling down painful.

Kerrie described Evans as her “jigsaw piece,” stating, “He was my absolute world.”

(Reporting and writing by Elizabeth Piper, Editing by Timothy Heritage)