44-year-old Yevhenii Toskhoparan, a resident of Mariupol, died on March 27, 2022, from shrapnel wounds.
Yevhenii lived with his common-law wife in Mariupol's 17th Microdistrict. When his sister and her family evacuated the city, he decided to stay behind.
"I last saw him on February 28—I hugged him and asked him to stay safe because of the war. They managed to call us on March 22. They said they wouldn't leave the city—they had a cat, a dog, and their apartment was intact," recalled his sister, Olha.
On March 27, Yevhenii walked to Kronshtadtska Street in the Prymorskyi district to check on his partner's father. On the way, he was caught in shelling that took his life.
Yevhenii was born and raised in Mariupol. For many years, he worked at the Azovstal Iron and Steel Works in the oxygen-converter shop as a steel casting foreman, earning the deep respect of his colleagues. He is remembered as a cheerful, sincere, and loving father.
"He was a great cook, loved animals, and grew flowers. He could repair a car or lay tiles—he was a bright, very positive person with a sparkling sense of humor and a kind soul. He was our mother's favorite... I still can't believe he is gone and that I will never hear him say over the phone again, 'Hello, sister Olha,'" Olha shared.
Yevhenii Toskhoparan was buried at the cemetery in Manhush. He is survived by his son, daughter, mother, and sister.
At 9:00 AM — the national minute of silence. The Donetsk Regional Military Administration and the "Memorial: Killed by Russia" platform honor the residents of Donetsk Oblast killed by Russian forces.