British Bomb Disposal Expert Chris Garrett Killed in Ukraine While Clearing Mines

Chris Garrett, a British man known for his brave work clearing landmines in Ukraine, has died.

The incident happened on Tuesday near Izyum, in the Kharkiv region of Ukraine. He was one of three people seriously hurt while trying to remove explosives. Sadly, Garrett and another person did not survive.

Chris Garrett was from the Isle of Man. He founded a charity called Prevail. This group trained people to safely remove bombs and landmines. Garrett had been working in Ukraine for many years. He started helping after Russia took Crimea in 2014 and returned four days after the full invasion began in 2022.

Garrett had a big heart. He told The Sun that his mission was not to fight, but to save lives. “My job is about preserving life, not taking it,” he once said.

Earlier in 2025, a Russian-controlled court in Donetsk sentenced him to 14 and a half years in jail. The court charged him with terrorism. This was because of his work removing explosives left by Russian troops. Garrett called the charges “ridiculous.” He said he was simply doing his job, either as a volunteer or while working under contract with the Ukrainian army.

Shaun Pinner, another British man who fought for Ukraine and was once a prisoner of war, confirmed Garrett’s death. Pinner said on social media site X, “I can confirm that Chris was among those who died. Our thoughts and prayers are with the families affected.”

Garrett’s death has led to many tributes online. One person said, “He and the team were very brave. Their heroic legacy will live on forever.” Another wrote, “I spoke to him after the war began. He was doing amazing things for Ukrainians. I’m so sad to hear this news.”

Before he became a bomb disposal expert, Garrett worked as a tree surgeon. He joined the British Army as a teenager but did not serve for long. His skills came from years of experience, starting with landmine removal in Myanmar in 2014.

Ukraine is one of the most heavily mined countries in the world. Nearly one-third of its land is believed to be contaminated with explosives. Charities warn that mines are a constant threat, especially to children.

Chris Garrett had been one of the first people to help in towns like Bucha and Irpin. He was also at Hostomel Airport, a key place in the early days of the war. His efforts saved many lives.

His loss is being felt deeply by the community he helped and by people around the world. Garrett’s bravery and kindness will be remembered for years to come.