Fred Grandy, an artist from Oregon, travelled to Kyiv to contribute to recovery efforts, but was killed in a drone attack that claimed 28 lives. His sister recalls his commitment to making a difference in a war-torn country.
American Volunteer Fred Grandy Killed in Kyiv Amidst Russian Assault

American Volunteer Fred Grandy Killed in Kyiv Amidst Russian Assault
An Oregon native serving as a volunteer in Ukraine tragically lost his life during a recent Russian missile attack, highlighting the ongoing conflict’s toll on civilians.
Fred Grandy, a native of Oregon and dedicated volunteer in Ukraine, lost his life in a devastating Russian missile attack in Kyiv. His family shared how he felt compelled to help after witnessing the United States' withdrawal of support for Ukraine. Grandy arrived in Kyiv shortly before his 62nd birthday with the hope of assisting in recovery efforts from Russian assaults. However, he became one of the tragic casualties of a massive drone and missile strike on the Ukrainian capital that resulted in around 28 fatalities.
Emergency responders worked tirelessly to search through the debris and recover bodies, particularly from a nine-story apartment building that suffered extensive destruction. The Russian Defense Ministry claimed that their strikes had been effective, although independent verification noted the grim reality of civilian casualties. Since Russia’s invasion in February 2022, it’s estimated that over 13,300 Ukrainian civilians have died, with Grandy likely being the first American citizen killed in an attack like this.
Grandy's sister Sietska Reed expressed her sorrow, recalling their last conversation where he felt aligned with his purpose in Ukraine, hoping to extend his volunteer work. His unexpected death draws attention to the harsh consequences of the ongoing conflict and the risks that volunteers face when they seek to make a difference in desperate situations.
Emergency responders worked tirelessly to search through the debris and recover bodies, particularly from a nine-story apartment building that suffered extensive destruction. The Russian Defense Ministry claimed that their strikes had been effective, although independent verification noted the grim reality of civilian casualties. Since Russia’s invasion in February 2022, it’s estimated that over 13,300 Ukrainian civilians have died, with Grandy likely being the first American citizen killed in an attack like this.
Grandy's sister Sietska Reed expressed her sorrow, recalling their last conversation where he felt aligned with his purpose in Ukraine, hoping to extend his volunteer work. His unexpected death draws attention to the harsh consequences of the ongoing conflict and the risks that volunteers face when they seek to make a difference in desperate situations.