A US Marine veteran was killed in Ukraine while evacuating civilians from the war-ridden city of Bakhmut last month.
Cooper 'Harris' Andrews, 26, died on the outskirts of the city when a mortar plummeted into him around April 19, his mother told CNN.
The embattled mining city has been bombarded by Russian troops attempting to take over - as Ukrainian soldiers attempt to keep Bakhmut under their reigns.
Bakhut leads into an access road known as the 'road of life' because it is the only way Kyiv's frontline troops can replenish their food and ammunition supplies while evacuating the critically injured to the nearby town of Chasiv Yar.
Andrews, who is from Ohio, was helping civilians escape Bakhut when he was struck. His body hasn't been recovered as the ongoing battle continues in the Eastern city.
Cooper 'Harris' Andrews, 26, died on the outskirts of the city when a mortar plummeted into him around April 19
He was evacuating evacuating civilians from the war-ridden city of Bakhmut last month when he was hit. Pictured: Bakhmut, Ukraine on May 1
The marine vet was in war-torn country working with the Foreign Legion, a group dedicated to helping Ukrainian troops. He shipped out in November and was supposed to return home earlier this year.
Despite his contract ending with the group in March, Andrews decided to stay behind, his mom told the news outlet.
The 26-year-old served in the US Marines as a ground electronics transmission systems maintainer from 2017 to 2022, according to Task and Purpose.
He had earned several rewards, including the Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, Marine Corps Good Conduct Medal and National Defense Service Medal.
The soldier also worked for the Resistance Committee - anti-authoritarian initiative.
Despite several confirmations, the US Department of State declined identifying Andrews as the solider who died last month.
'We are in touch with the family and providing all possible consular assistance,' a spokesperson told the news outlet. 'Out of respect for the family’s privacy during this difficult time, we have nothing further to add.'
Andrews, who is from Ohio, was helping civilians escape Bakhut when he was struck. His body hasn't been recovered as the ongoing battle continues in the Eastern city
The marine vet was in war-torn country working with the Foreign Legion, a group dedicated to helping Ukrainian troops
The marine vet was in war-torn country working with the Foreign Legion, a group dedicated to helping Ukrainian troops
The embattled mining city has been bombarded by Russian troops attempting to take over - as Ukrainian soldiers attempt to keep Bakhmut under their reigns. Pictured: Ukrainian servicemen near the frontline of Bakhmut 
Andrews was described by his former colleagues as 'goofy' and 'a great marine' who was passionate about helping others
Andrews was described by his former colleagues as 'goofy' and 'a great marine' who was passionate about helping others.
'Cooper was always so goofy, he was also passionate and dedicated to his duties,' Zach Deck, a former Marine sergeant, told the news outlet.
Deck got to know Cooper after serving closely with him from 2018 to 2021.
'He was super passionate about helping people he believed to be oppressed, or anyone for that matter.
'I miss him amongst the others. It’s safe to say he made my life better and I can’t wait to hopefully see him again one day.'
In a series of tweets posted by journalist Jake Hanrahan, Andrews was seen smiling with his friends and geared up in his military uniform.
One of Andrew's last messages to an unidentified friend showed a photo of him with a sledgehammer and a cigarette hanging out of his mouth.
'If I am martyred, remember me with my hammer,' he wrote in the text.
To which his friend responded, 'Your hammer will live on forever.'
'Putin's regime must die by any means necessary,' Andrews responded. 'Humanity's hope lie's I'm Kharkov, the city must survive.'
English (United States) ·