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Terry Michael DuncanLawyer, US citizen, killed near Ostankino TV center
Date of Birth: 24.01.1967
Country:  USA |
Content:
- An American Hero: The Story of Terry Duncan
- Early Life and Career
- The Tragedy at Ostankino
- Heroism in the Face of Adversity
- Aftermath and Legacy
An American Hero: The Story of Terry Duncan
Terry Duncan was an American lawyer who lost his life during the political crisis in Russia in 1993.
Early Life and Career
Born and raised in Louisiana, Duncan earned degrees from the George Washington University Law School. In March 1993, he moved to Moscow with friends to pursue business opportunities. Along with Jameson Firestone, he co-founded Firestone Duncan & Associates, a law firm where Sergei Magnitsky later worked as an auditor.
The Tragedy at Ostankino
On October 3, 1993, Duncan found himself near the Ostankino television center amidst a demonstration. As the situation escalated, gunfire broke out, trapping him. Despite the danger, Duncan selflessly aided the wounded, repeatedly venturing into the line of fire.
Heroism in the Face of Adversity
Duncan's commitment to helping others was unwavering. He repeatedly checked on people to ensure their well-being, returning to the danger zone each time. According to his friends, "He was always like that. It wasn't about politics. It was just people dying." The last person he rescued was Paul Otto, a photojournalist for The New York Times. Otto recalls crawling out of the gunfire with Duncan, who stayed with him until medical help arrived. However, other accounts suggest that Duncan was fatally shot in the head around 7:45 p.m.
Aftermath and Legacy
Duncan's body was found near the television center after the shooting. Witnesses, video, and photographs documented his heroic actions. His memory lives on through the epitaph engraved on his tombstone, written by President Bill Clinton:
"In the turmoil of Russia's struggle for democracy, Terry honored his family, his friends, and his country by his heroic actions. He will be remembered for his courage and personal devotion to the ideals of our country, most especially our deep and abiding respect for the freedom of the individual."
