Drone kills Canadian rescuing animals in Ukraine
A Canadian man is being remembered as a “truly extraordinary person” after being killed in Ukraine during a rescue mission to help animals in need.
Jesse Adams was evacuating animals from the eastern city of Kramatorsk when the vehicle he was in was attacked by an “enemy FPV drone,” according to a Facebook post from Animal Rescue Kharkiv, the group he was volunteering for.
“The drone hit the windshield directly. Jessie [sic] suffered serious injuries and was immediately taken to a local hospital,” stated the organization.
Doctors attempted to perform emergency surgery, but Adams succumbed to his injuries, added the group.
Animal Rescue Kharkiv praised Adams for his rescue work, noting that he helped save hundreds of animals through his volunteer efforts.
“When a person overcomes half the world to work side by side with you in one of the most difficult conditions, it means more than can be expressed in words,” stated the group.
Tributes have poured in for Adams, who was originally from Vancouver Island and co-founded the RainCoast Dog Rescue Society in Victoria.
“There will never be another light like Jesse, or another human with his endless energy, enthusiasm, and compassion for making the world a kinder place,” stated SPCA International on social media.
PETA (People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals) noted that Adams “put his own life at risk to give [animals] a chance at safety.”
Adams’ last Facebook post on Oct. 23 showed him in a small village outside Kramatorsk, Ukraine. He filmed a selfie-style video telling his followers about the rescue mission he was about to embark on.
“This is what we’re doing today. Another mission in the frontline cities, to get dogs, cats, and cows — cows and their babies. I’m really excited for this. I have never messed with cows before; it’s definitely a first, but… they need our help. We’re definitely going to be there for them.”
Earlier this week, a Change.org petition was started calling on the Canadian government to recognize Adams for his bravery and sacrifice.
“We are calling on the Government of Canada to review Jesse’s actions and consider him for an appropriate Canadian honour recognizing his extraordinary courage, selflessness, and sacrifice,” reads the petition.
At the time of publication, it had received over 7,600 signatures.