The former Arbroath marine killed fighting against Islamic State in Syria went to the war-torn country to “help other people and to make a difference”, his former girlfriend said.
Konstandinos Erik Scurfield from Barnsley, South Yorkshire, was reportedly shot dead on Monday while fighting alongside Kurdish forces in the frontline village of Tel Khuzela.
The 25-year-old’s family spoke of their pride in him, while his former partner described him as “amazing” for “doing an unselfish act”, the Daily Telegraph reported.
Jemma Weston, who said that while the couple had previously ended their relationship, Mr Scurfield had contacted her some months ago to say he wanted to return home to her, added that news of his death had left her heartbroken.
She said she believes he travelled to Syria in order to “give something back”, having told her before he left that it was simply something he had to do, the paper reported.
Mr Scurfield, who was an expert in battlefield medicine, and previously trained at RM Condor in Arbroath, is believed to have travelled to Syria three or four months ago hoping to provide medical and humanitarian support.
His family said they had been devastated by his death.
“His flame might have burned briefly but it burned brightly with love, courage, conviction and honour and we are very proud of him,” they said in a statement.