Last week, we experienced the tragic loss of our friend and coworker, Sasha, which has deeply affected many of us.

I am in direct contact with Sasha’s family in Ukraine and, on behalf of his brother, parents, and other family members, I am raising funds to fulfill Sasha’s last wish and help return his ashes back home to Ukraine and hold a proper memorial ceremony that his family will organize.

Sasha’s family is absolutely devastated and is doing everything possible to honor his final wish to be laid to rest in his homeland. This fundraiser is meant to support them during this incredibly difficult time.

All contributions collected through this fund will be sent fully and directly to Sasha’s family in Ukraine to help cover the necessary expenses.

We will miss Sasha more than words can express.

Thank you for your kindness, compassion, and support during this painful time.

Sasha's brother - Aleksey Bugun - asked to share this message with everyone:

"Today, I want to speak about my brother.

He was someone who was truly loved — at home, at work, everywhere he went. People respected him for his kindness, his openness, and his rare ability to bring light into any space. He knew how to make people smile, even when life was not easy.

With children, he was like a child himself — always joking, playing, and laughing. As a father, he loved deeply and endlessly. His daughter was his whole world. The love in his eyes when he spoke about her is something I will never forget.

When we were children, I often stood up for him, even though I was younger. Like all siblings, we argued — especially over the computer when we played together. Those small moments from our childhood now feel incredibly precious. If I had known how everything would turn out, I would have given him everything without hesitation.

He used to call me all the time and say,

“Bro, bratishka, how are you?”

And now, no one will ever call me that again.

I am grateful that I had him as my brother, and I will always feel his presence beside me. I remember the day he flew to America — full of hope and dreams for the future. He invited me to come visit him, but I didn’t make it in time. I never got the chance to see him again, and that pain will stay with me forever.

The last period of his life was very hard. Only now do I truly understand how heavy that burden was. It hurts to know that in his most difficult moment, there was no one he felt he could fully lean on. Maybe if someone had been there, things might have ended differently.

My brother was kind, joyful, and full of light. He left behind love, laughter, and a silence that feels too deep. We will carry his memory with us always.

I miss you, brother. And I will love you forever".