A Young Ukrainian Refugee’s Tragic End in America
Iryna Zarutska’s story is one of hope, resilience, and devastating loss. At just 23 years old, this young Ukrainian woman fled her war-torn homeland with dreams of safety and a new beginning in America. Instead, her life was cut tragically short in a senseless act of violence that has left her family and community reeling. Born to Anna Zarutska and Stanislav Zarutskyi on May 22, 2002, Iryna was remembered by those who knew her as a creative soul with exceptional artistic talent and a profound love for animals. Before the Russian invasion forced her family to flee Ukraine, she had graduated from Synergy College in Kyiv with a degree in art and restoration. Her passion for creating art wasn’t just a career path but a way she expressed love—crafting unique pieces for friends and family that showcased her gentle spirit and creative mind. Her ultimate goal was to become a veterinary assistant, combining her compassion for animals with her desire to help others.
When war engulfed Ukraine in 2022, Iryna, alongside her mother, sister, and brother, made the difficult decision to leave everything they knew behind and seek refuge in the United States. Like millions of other Ukrainians, their lives had been upended by violence and uncertainty. Yet Iryna approached this challenging transition with characteristic determination and optimism. She quickly embraced her new life in America, becoming fluent in English and finding work at Zepeddie’s Pizzeria in Charlotte, North Carolina. Colleagues and customers alike were drawn to her warm personality and willingness to help others. “She was always very helpful, very supportive and just had a heart of gold,” recalled a family friend named Lonnie in an interview with local media. “She was a sweetheart. And it makes me sick to think that she’s gone.”
The horrific events of August 22 shattered the new life Iryna had been building. After finishing her shift at the pizzeria, still wearing her work uniform, she boarded a train in Charlotte to head home. In a tragic twist of fate, she sat in front of a man wearing a red hoodie who, moments later and without any provocation, pulled out a knife and fatally stabbed her. Police later identified the attacker as Decarlos Brown, a man with an extensive criminal history stretching back over a decade. Authorities confirmed that Iryna and Brown had no prior connection—she was simply in the wrong place at the wrong time, a random victim of inexplicable violence. The cruel irony of her death has not been lost on those who knew her story: after escaping the dangers of war in Ukraine, Iryna lost her life in what should have been a safe haven.
The community response to Iryna’s murder revealed how deeply she had touched those around her during her short time in America. Zepeddie’s Pizzeria, where she had worked, posted a heartfelt tribute on social media, describing her death as “a tremendous loss” and noting that they had “lost not only an incredible employee, but a true friend.” In a touching gesture, the staff kept a candle lit in her honor, symbolizing “the warmth, kindness and light she brought to our lives every day.” Her obituary painted a picture of a young woman who made a lasting impact wherever she went: “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.”
The circumstances surrounding Iryna’s death have raised difficult questions about public safety and the criminal justice system in America. Records show that her alleged killer had a lengthy criminal history, including convictions for robbery with a dangerous weapon, larceny, and breaking-and-entering. After serving prison time until 2020 and completing parole in 2021, he faced additional charges earlier this year for communicating threats and misusing the 911 emergency system. For a refugee family that came to America seeking security and peace, the failure of the system to protect their loved one from a known offender adds another layer of tragedy to an already devastating loss. The case has sparked discussions about how society can better protect vulnerable individuals and prevent such senseless violence.
Iryna Zarutska’s story represents more than just a tragic headline—it embodies the unfulfilled promise of a young life full of potential. She was not merely a statistic or a victim but a daughter, sister, friend, and artist whose journey from war-torn Ukraine to America reflected courage and hope. Her death serves as a painful reminder of how quickly life can change and how fragile our sense of security can be. For the Ukrainian refugee community and beyond, her memory lives on through the art she created, the lives she touched, and the example she set of resilience in the face of adversity. Though her story ended far too soon and in circumstances no one could have predicted, the impact of her kindness and creativity continues to resonate with those who were fortunate enough to know her during her brief time in America.
