South Jersey Man, 33, Killed While Providing Medical Aid To Ukrainians

BORDENTOWN, NJ - A humanitarian worker, U.S. Marine Corps veteran and South Jersey native died Thursday while providing medical care to civilians fleeing a Ukrainian conflict zone.

Pete Reed, 33, of Bordentown, was killed in Bakhmut, Ukraine while rendering medical assistance and helping locals evacuate as part of a Global Outreach Doctors effort, according to a statement from the nonprofit. Bakhmut has been one of the major conflict spots throughout the Russian invasion of Ukraine, according to POLITICO, with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy calling the city the "hottest spot" in the war in December.

“Pete dedicated his life to service, both founding and working for organizations that help people in need throughout the world,” Gov. Phil Murphy said of the New Jersey native in a statement. “Pete will be remembered for the depth of his courage and his compassion, his selflessness and his sacrifice. His death serves as a devastating reminder of the catastrophic suffering that this unjustified war has caused.”

Yesterday, GRM founder Pete Reed was killed in Bakhmut, Ukraine. Pete was the bedrock of GRM, serving as Board President for 4 years. In January, Pete stepped away from GRM to work with Global Outreach Doctors on their Ukraine mission and was killed while rendering aid. #Ukraine pic.twitter.com/Tpwyou1LmM
— Global Response Medicine (@GRM_Global) February 3, 2023

“New Jersey will continue to stand on the side of the Ukrainian people in their valiant effort to fight back against Russia’s brutal invasion,” Murphy added. “I can speak on behalf of our entire state to say that our hearts are heavy today.”

Reed, a graduate of Bordentown Regional High School who served two tours in Afghanistan and was a rifleman in the Marine Corps before working as a ski instructor on the west coast, per his GRM biography, began his humanitarian career working with Team Rubicon after Hurricane Sandy hit his home state; he went on to assist in training 33 Haitian EMTs and co-founded the Global Response Medicine nonprofit in 2017. As part of GRM, he has participated in medic operations in Iraq, Yemen, Syria and Poland. Notably, Reed led medical teams that treated over 10,000 trauma patients for the duration of the Battle for Mosul, the biography reads.

Reed stepped away from the GRM position in January to work with Global Outreach Doctors as Ukraine Country Director; his evacuation vehicle was hit by a reported missile while he was rendering aid, a statement from Global Response Medicine read.

“Pete was a beacon of humanitarian work – an incredible visionary, leader, compassionate care provider, and an inspiration to us all,” Global Outreach Doctors said. “He selflessly dedicated his life in service to others, especially those affected by disaster and war. Pete accomplished more in his 33 years than most of us in our entire lives. He leaves behind an incredible legacy.”