Daniel Burke Obituary, Death; – A coroner has determined that a former paratrooper from Manchester, who was shot in Ukraine while establishing a mercy company to assist injured soldiers on the frontline against Russia, was unlawfully killed.
Daniel Burke, aged 36, was noted to have died ‘with bravery and valour,’ yet his death was attributed to ‘cowardice and dishonour,’ as revealed during the inquest into his demise on Friday, December 13.
Mr. Burke, a native of Wythenshawe, was characterized as a proud Mancunian who was significantly impacted by the Manchester Arena bombing in May 2017. The coroner stated that he was shot by an individual who claimed to be an ally but was evidently not. He had gone to Ukraine to aid the resistance against Russia and was reported missing on August 11, 2023. His remains were discovered on September 16 in what was described during the inquest as an ‘old abandoned training ground’ near Zaporizhzhya, seven weeks after his death.
The Manchester Coroners’ Court was informed by a pathologist that the cause of death was ‘multiple gunshot wounds.’ Evidence presented indicated that he sustained injuries to the head, neck, and chest from bullets discharged from an AKS74U assault rifle. The inquest suggested that his death likely occurred ‘rapidly.’ Greater Manchester Police testified that Mr. Burke had frequently traveled in and out of Ukraine following the Russian invasion, making several trips in 2023.
The inquest revealed that he founded a company named The Dark Angels, which comprised ex-service personnel from various nations. This organization was dedicated to evacuating injured Ukrainian soldiers from the frontline, collaborating with the Ukrainian military.
Detective Sergeant Danielle Bullivant remarked, “I believe it was something that Daniel was passionate about.” The court also learned that Mr. Burke had previously fought alongside Kurdish forces in Syria against the Islamic State and had served with the Parachute Regiment.
The inquest noted that a ‘suspect’ known to Mr. Burke had been identified and briefly detained by Ukrainian authorities, although the individual was not named during the proceedings. On the day of his death, Mr. Burke was in the company of this armed suspect. Detective Sergeant Bullivant stated that the suspect had been interviewed, but further details were not disclosed.
