Iryna Zarutska was a young Ukrainian artist, refugee, and student whose life reflected creativity, resilience, and compassion. She escaped the war in Ukraine in 2022, moving to the United States with hopes of a brighter future. While building a new life in Charlotte, North Carolina, she studied at community college, worked part-time at a local pizzeria, and dreamed of becoming a veterinary assistant.
Sadly, on August 22, 2025, at only 23 years old, Iryna Zarutska was fatally stabbed at a Charlotte light rail station. Her death shocked communities in both Ukraine and the US, sparking tributes, global calls for justice, and new discussions about public safety.
Iryna Zarutska Wiki/Bio
| Full Name | Iryna Zarutska |
| Date of Birth | May 22, 2002 |
| Age | 23 years (at time of passing in 2025) |
| Profession | Artist, Student, Part-Time Worker |
| Hometown | Kyiv, Ukraine |
| Last Residence | Charlotte, North Carolina, USA |
| Nationality | Ukrainian |
| Zodiac Sign | Gemini |
Iryna Zarutska Early Life
Iryna Zarutska was born in Kyiv, Ukraine, where she grew up in a close-knit family. Surrounded by history and culture, she developed a deep love for art from an early age. Her childhood was filled with creativity, laughter, and strong family bonds.
In 2022, when the war in Ukraine escalated, Iryna, then 20, fled with her mother, sister, and brother in search of safety. They arrived in Charlotte, North Carolina, where she adapted quickly learning English, joining community life, and spreading kindness wherever she went. Friends and neighbors remembered her for her optimism, generosity, and the way she often gifted her art to those around her.
Iryna Zarutska Education
Iryna Zarutska studied Art and Restoration at Synergy College in Kyiv, where she mastered painting, sculpting, and fashion design. After moving to the US, she continued her education at Rowan-Cabarrus Community College in North Carolina (2023–2025). She planned to combine her creative background with her love for animals by pursuing work as a veterinary assistant.
Iryna Zarutska Family
Iryna was the beloved daughter of Anna Zarutska and Stanislav Zarutskyi. She shared a strong bond with her sister Valeriia (sometimes noted as her aunt in media reports) and her brother Bohdan. Together, they fled Ukraine in 2022, starting over in Charlotte.
Iryna also had a life partner, though details remain private. Her family described her as a source of joy and light, someone who cared deeply for people and animals alike. After her passing, a GoFundMe campaign for Valeriia raised over $12,000 to support funeral costs and healing. The outpouring of tributes highlighted just how deeply she touched the lives of those around her.
Iryna Zarutska Career
Though her career was just beginning, Iryna Zarutska made a strong impression. Her art degree in Kyiv gave her skills that she used to create unique clothing designs and thoughtful gifts. In Charlotte, she worked part-time at Zepeddie’s Pizzeria, where coworkers remembered her as kind, hardworking, and full of warmth.
She also volunteered by walking dogs in her neighborhood, reflecting her lifelong love for animals. Her ultimate dream was to become a veterinary assistant, blending her nurturing spirit with her dedication to learning. Even in her short time in the US, Iryna showed resilience, building a life full of promise and compassion.
Career Milestones
| Milestone | Details |
| Art Education | Graduated from Synergy College, Kyiv, in Art and Restoration |
| Migration | Fled Ukraine during the war, relocated to Charlotte (2022) |
| US Education | Enrolled at Rowan-Cabarrus Community College (2023–2025) |
| Work Experience | Part-time at Zepeddie’s Pizzeria, Charlotte |
| Volunteer Work | Pet care and dog walking in her community |
Controversies
Iryna Zarutska lived a life free of personal controversy. However, her tragic death became the center of public debate in the US. The suspect, Decarlos Brown Jr., a 34-year-old homeless man with a history of criminal charges and untreated mental illness, was arrested and charged with first-degree murder.
After surviving russia’s war on Ukraine, 23-year-old Iryna Zarutska was stabbed to death on a train in Charlotte, North Carolina. By an American man.
— Kate from Kharkiv (@BohuslavskaKate) September 7, 2025
For days, I’ve watched in silence as her murder is twisted for your domestic culture war.
Americans watched a Ukrainian woman… pic.twitter.com/XSfv8WG21y
Her case drew national attention, with political leaders and community activists calling for stronger safety measures on public transit and reforms in handling repeat offenders. While her passing fueled policy debates, her memory remains untarnished—she is remembered for her kindness, creativity, and bravery as a refugee.
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