By North Lincolnshire man killed in Ukraine following heavy mortar fire
A North Lincolnshire man has been killed in Ukraine after been struck by heavy mortar fire, an inquest has heard.
Scott Sibley, 36, from South Killingholme, sadly died on 23 April after his position in southern Ukraine was targeted by Russian assault.
Mr Sibley died as a result of “penetrating fragment injuries” to the chest and abdomen, Oxfords Coroners’ Court was told.
According to the BBC, a full inquest into his death is due to take place on 15 November.
The 36-year-old is believed to be the first confirmed Briton to have died in Ukraine since Russia’s devastating invasion began.
Mr Sibley had travelled to the region in early March to aid the Ukrainian soldiers on the front line, the BBC reported.
The North Lincolnshire man, who had previously served in the British military, “volunteered for a task” and spent three days in a “foxhole” (a defensive strategic position) in the Mykolaiv region, the inquest was told.
Sadly, on the third day, a drone appeared in the vicinity as a team of soldiers came to “relieve Mr Sibley and others”. Moments later, the soldiers came under attack from heavy artillery fire.
The BBC said Mr Sibley was fatally wounded as he attempted to run to another position.
Following his tragic death, a fundraising page was set up to cover funeral costs of “a fallen hero” – an initial goal of £5,000 was marked, however, as of today (15 June), more than £18,000 has been raised.
Known to his friends and family as “Sibs”, Scott Sibley was described as “the bravest person” on the fundraising page.
“Sadly, on the 23 April 2022, Scott Sibley “Sibs” was taken from us all”, the page’s organiser said.
“Scott was a son, father, brother, and uncle. To me he was a friend like no other and the bravest person I’ve had the pleasure to have known, he was as good as a brother to me”, he added.
“His life may have been cut short, but he lived to the full and did things the Sibs way, right until the end”
