Iryna Zarutska — Biography

Born in Kyiv, Ukraine, on May 22, 2002, Iryna was the cherished child of Anna Zarutska and Stanislav Zarutskyi. In August of 2022, seeking refuge from conflict, she journeyed from Ukraine to the United States alongside her mother, sister, and brother. Embracing her new surroundings with enthusiasm, Iryna, a talented and dedicated artist, had previously earned a degree in Art and Restoration from Synergy College in Kyiv. She generously shared her artistic gifts, often presenting her creations as presents to loved ones. Her creative passions extended to sculpting and crafting distinctive, unconventional attire that vividly expressed her lively personality. Iryna also held a profound affection for animals, frequently looking after her neighbors' pets and bringing smiles to those who saw her walking them through the neighborhood, her radiant smile always present. She harbored aspirations of becoming a Veterinary Assistant while simultaneously working towards her independence by mastering the art of driving. Her remarkable aptitude for languages was evident in her rapid acquisition of English, a testament to her unwavering drive and zest for learning. Sadly, Iryna Zarutska, a Ukrainian artist and refugee displaced by war, met a tragic end when she was fatally stabbed by an assailant on a subway train in North Carolina. The perpetrator, Decarlos Brown Jr., who had a history of fourteen previous arrests, was apprehended as he disembarked the train and subsequently faced charges of first-degree murder. The incident occurred at the East/West Boulevard station in Charlotte, North Carolina.