“She always wanted to help”
Austrian doctor († 47) killed in Ukraine
A doctor from Austria traveled to Ukraine to help injured soldiers. She now paid for her commitment with her life.
Published: 12:28 p.m
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Updated: 12:53 p.m
During the Russian annexation of Crimea in 2014, Natalia F.* († 47) traveled to Ukraine to treat injured soldiers. When Russia invaded Ukraine, the Austrian, who was born in the Ukraine, did not hesitate for a second and volunteered as a medic for the Ukrainian army.
After several deployments, the medical battalion, to which the doctor was assigned, was to be evacuated from the war zone by bus. A tragic accident happened. During the night, the bus rammed into a military transporter that was parked unlit on the road «eXXpress» reported. Natalia F. suffered serious head injuries in the accident.
The other doctors who were also on the bus tried to save their colleague’s life with an emergency operation. But the injuries to the “Austriyka”, as the Austrian was called in the battalion, were too severe. She didn’t survive.
Soldiers say goodbye to lifesaver
Hundreds of colleagues attended Natalia F.’s farewell service. Numerous soldiers whose lives the Austrian had saved also said goodbye. “She always wanted to help her friends in Ukraine, Natalia saved the lives of hundreds of seriously wounded and injured people,” said close friends at the service in Ukraine.
Many users also mourn the loss of the Austrian paramedic on social media. One user wrote: “May Natalia’s death bring a great victory to Ukraine.” Another explained: “There is no greater sacrifice. May the angels be with you.” Natalia F. leaves behind a 25-year-old daughter who stayed in Austria when the war broke out. (obf)
*Name known to editors