Second known American killed fighting in Ukraine

By Jennifer Hansler, CNN

The US State Department on Tuesday confirmed the death of an American citizen in Ukraine whose obituary said he died in mid-May while fighting in the war there. “We can confirm the death of U.S. citizen Stephen Zabielski in Ukraine,” a State Department spokesperson said.

“We have been in touch with the family and have provided all possible consular assistance. Out of respect to the family during this difficult time, we have nothing further,” the spokesperson said.

According to his obituary, published on June 1 in “The Recorder,” a newspaper in New York state, said Zabielski “died on Sunday, May 15, 2022, while fighting the war in Village of Dorozhniank, Ukraine.”

He was 52 years old and is survived by his wife and five stepchildren, the obit said.

Zabielski is the second American known to be killed in combat in Ukraine. Marine Corps veteran Willy Cancel was killed in April fighting alongside Ukrainian forces.

This story is breaking and will be updated.

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