A Fox News reporter killed in a Russian attack near Ukraine's capital Kyiv was proud to be "pure Irish", according to his grieving mother.
Pierre Zakrzewski, 55, and his colleague Oleksandra Kuvshynova died on Monday (March 14) when shelling hit the village of Gorenka. Another journalist, Benjamin Hall, was seriously injured.
His mother, Marie-Ange, learned of his death on Tuesday (March 15). The experienced photographer and camera operator had covered wars across the world - in Iraq, Afghanistan and Syria.
But he never forgot growing up in Ireland, according to his heartbroken but proud mum. The Irish Examiner reported Marie-Ange said he was "extremely good" at his job.
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'I was born and bred in Dublin - I am Irish'
She added she was "always worried" about him getting hurt. However, his run of good luck and escaping bad situations over the years gave her faith he would be safe again when he visited Ukraine's conflict.
Marie-Ange, originally from France, relocated to Ireland in the year her son Pierre was born, 55 years ago. Her husband was Polish. Pierre lived in Dublin throughout his life and his mum recalled how he would stress his Irish credentials to all he met.
She said: "With his moustache, he used to go up to people, wherever, in Israel, saying 'I am Irish. I am Pierre Zakrzewski, so let me through’. And he would always get through.
"He was Pierre Zakrzewski, he was pure Irish. He was Irish, and he didn't like being doubted. So, when people say 'oh, come on, Irish?', he would say 'I am Irish, would you mind? I was born and bred in Dublin, so I am Irish'."
Pierre also leaves behind a partner, Michelle.
Tributes after 'tragic passing'
St Conleth's College, Pierre's former school, also paid tribute to him after his death in Ukraine.
In a statement, it said: "It is with great sadness that St Conleth's College acknowledges the tragic passing of past pupil Pierre Zakrzewski (Class of 1984) in Ukraine.
"Our thoughts and prayers are with his family and friends."
Fox News presenter, Bill Hemmer, also said a few words as he paid homage to his friend. Becoming emotional, he told viewers: "Pierre Zakrzewski was an absolute legend at this network, and his loss is devastating.
"He has been with us for years, covering wars in Iraq, Afghanistan, and Syria.Our CEO Susanne Scott noted a few moments ago that Pierre jumped in to help out with all sorts of roles in the field — photographer and engineer and editor and producer, and he did it all under immense pressure and with tremendous skill."
Taoiseach Micheál Martin said he was "deeply disturbed and saddened by the killing", the Irish Mirror reported. He said: "Our deepest sympathies go to the family of Pierre Zakrzewski, particularly his family back in Dublin. He was reared for 30 years in Dublin.
"It's an appalling killing, illustrating again the indiscriminate and barbaric nature of the Russian attack on the citizens of Ukraine, and also brings a very sharp focus on the enormous risks that journalists are taking, in terms of shining a light on this barbaric war. Without journalists and without cameramen, and without their bravery, we would not know what we now know in terms of how this war is being waged on people. It's a very, very sad day for his family, for Fox News."
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