Nunspeet foster parents thank community after Ukrainian youths' drowning

The foster parents of Yuriy and Dmitry, two Ukrainian youths who died following a drowning incident at the Zandenplas in Nunspeet, have issued a letter expressing gratitude for the massive community support they received.

The tragedy occurred on Wednesday, August 12, when the 15 and 20-year-old youths disappeared underwater while swimming with other members of their foster family. Although fire department divers recovered them and transported them to hospitals in Zwolle and Utrecht, both passed away later that evening.

The family, which fled to the Netherlands following the outbreak of war in Ukraine, expressed deep appreciation to the residents of Nunspeet, the Reformed Congregation, emergency responders, and bystanders. In their message, the parents noted that the presence, prayers, and compassion of the community helped them feel they were not alone during one of the most difficult times of their lives.