Professor Roman Sheremeta
Sept 10, 2025
Iryna Zarutska, 23, of Charlotte, North Carolina, passed away on Friday, 22 August 2025.
Born on 22 May 2002, in Kyiv, Ukraine, Iryna was the beloved daughter of Anna Zarutska and Stanislav Zarutskyi. In August 2022, she emigrated from Ukraine with her mother, sister, and brother to escape the war, and she quickly embraced her new life in the United States.
A gifted and passionate artist, Iryna graduated from Synergy College in Kyiv with a degree in Art and Restoration. She shared her creativity generously, gifting family and friends with her artwork. She loved sculpting and designing unique, eclectic clothing that reflected her vibrant spirit.
Iryna also had a deep love for animals. She often cared for her neighbors’ pets, and many fondly remember seeing her walking them through the neighborhood, always with her radiant smile. She dreamed of pursuing a career as a Veterinary Assistant while also working toward her independence by learning to drive. Remarkably, she became fluent in English within a very short time, reflecting her determination and love of learning.
Though she enjoyed adventures, sightseeing, and exploring new places with her close friends, Iryna was also a homebody at heart, happiest when surrounded by family and loved ones. Her mother lovingly recalls her ability to sleep for wonderfully long stretches—something she affectionately called an “artist’s gift.”
Iryna is survived by her parents, Anna and Stanislav; her sister, Valeriia; her brother, Bohdan; her life partner, Stas Nikulytsia; aunt, Valeria Haskell (Frank Scott); her cousins, Vera Falkner and Viktor Falkner; and many cherished family members and friends.
Iryna will be remembered for her kindness, her creativity, and the lasting impression she left on everyone she met. Her absence leaves a deep void, but her spirit will forever remain in the hearts of those who loved her.
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There were thousands of comments. Here are just a few :
Jeannie Riggs
This is horrible and very sad to have escaped war and then have to endure the worst of humanity here in the US where she came to be safe and free. My heart is broken for her and the friends and family who loved her. She was so beautiful and had a good heart this is so tragic and uncalled for, plus add on the callousness of others who just stood there letting her pass without trying to help at all. I am sad for how this world has become.
Steve Hija
She didn’t just pass away. She was murdered by madman in a most horrific way. God bless her. May she rest in eternal peace 🙏
Jari Saarelainen
Steve Hija : She was indirectly murdered by madman called Pootin.
Darron Jackson
Steve Hija : and the people who sat there and watched her die and did nothing are just as bad.
Tim Ratcliffe
I feel so sad for this. Like many of you I watched an innocent person board a train, oblivious to her surroundings, no stress….an everyday occurrence…..happily communicating on her phone or choosing tracks to listen then savagely attacked. Without warning or provocation.
What a beautiful life extinguished unnecessarily.
You take your skills to heaven sweet. Paint and sculpture till your hearts content. Humanity failed you..…you deserved better, for that I’m truly sorry….❤️
Peter Mthombeni
My heart breaks for such an incredible, innocent, harmless and precious soul that escaped the war-torn Ukraine to seek peace, progress and fulfill her dreams in USA 🇺🇸. Shame on the onlooking callous train passengers who failed her, letting the depraved murderer walk away casually.!!
Noreen Power
RIP beautiful lady….you had the courage of all your compatriots, embracing a new life in a new country, and you will forever remain a Hero, I am so sorry this ‘thing’ entered your sphere. May God give your family and friends strength at this awful time 🥲
Edijs Pipars
This is truly heartbreaking. 💔 A woman was killed in America by a psychopath. The most painful part is that no one stepped in to help her… everyone just turned away as she fell to the ground. Watching this broke my heart. 🙁
My deepest condolences to her family and loved ones during this unbearable time. We, as humanity, have lost a part of our humanity. Such a tragic and devastating event.
Keith Perchard
This lady seems to reflect and represent Ukraine itself, as a country; such tragic betrayal.