Iryna Zarutska fled the air-raid sirens in Kyiv, carried dreams of art and healing, and imagined a peaceful new life in Charlotte, America—never expecting her journey would end on a train in a tragic stabbing. Her story resonated far beyond Charlotte, highlighting the challenges refugees face when building a new life in a foreign country.
Yet on a late August evening in Charlotte, North Carolina, Iryna Zarutska’s journey ended in an unthinkable way—on a commuter train where she never made it home.
Iryna Zarutska Early Life in Kyiv, Ukraine
Iryna Zarutska was born on May 22, 2002, in Kyiv, Ukraine, the daughter of Anna Zarutska and Stanislav Zarutskyi. She was 23 years old at the time of her passing, her zodiac sign was Gemini, and she was of Ukrainian ethnicity and nationality. Her family practiced Christianity. Iryna stood approximately 5 feet 5 inches (165 cm) tall and weighed around 125 lbs (57 kg).
She studied at Synergy College in Kyiv, focusing on art and restoration, and quickly became known among her peers for her creative spirit. Painting was more than a skill—it was how she expressed hope, and how she stayed connected to the people she loved.
When the Russian invasion of Ukraine began in 2022, life in Kyiv became increasingly dangerous. With shelling and uncertainty, her family made the difficult decision to leave. Together with her mother, sister, and younger brother, Iryna immigrated to the United States. Her father remained in Ukraine, bound by wartime restrictions that kept draft-eligible men from leaving.
Starting Over: Iryna Zarutska’s New Life in Charlotte
Arriving in North Carolina, Iryna faced the challenges of beginning again in a foreign country. She found work at an assisted-living facility, later taking a job at Zepeddie’s Pizzeria. At the same time, she enrolled in English courses at a local community college, determined to master the language and expand her opportunities.
Neighbors and co-workers describe her as gentle, shy at first, but quick to show kindness. She often gifted small pieces of her artwork to friends, carrying a part of Kyiv with her wherever she went. She dreamed of becoming a veterinary assistant, a career that joined her compassion with her love of animals.
The routine was not easy—working shifts, studying, and supporting her family while adjusting to an unfamiliar culture—but she pushed forward, motivated by quiet resilience.
Iryna Zarutska Charlotte Train Stabbing (August 22, 2025)
On August 22, 2025, after finishing a shift at the pizzeria, Iryna boarded a train on the Lynx Blue Line to return home. Surveillance footage later showed her seated near the front of the car. Within minutes, the ordinary ride turned into a tragedy.
Behind her sat Decarlos Brown Jr., a 34-year-old man with a long history of arrests and documented struggles with mental health. Without warning, he pulled a knife from his hoodie and stabbed Iryna multiple times, including a fatal wound to the throat.
Brown was arrested shortly afterward at the station. He now faces charges of first-degree murder under state law, as well as federal charges for committing violence on mass transit.
Charlotte Community Response to Iryna Zarutska’s Death
The killing stunned Charlotte and reverberated across Ukrainian communities worldwide. Vigils were held, drawing hundreds who mourned a life taken too soon. Her family urged the public not to share graphic footage of the attack, asking instead that she be remembered for her dreams, kindness, and courage.
Her story has also ignited a broader debate: questions about safety on public transit, the treatment of repeat offenders, gaps in mental health care, and what responsibility societies carry toward refugees seeking sanctuary.
Her family has chosen to bury her in the United States—the country she hoped to call home, even though it became the place of her final chapter.
Remembering Iryna Zarutska’s Legacy
Iryna’s life was more than a headline. She was an artist, a daughter, a sister, and a young woman who carried the weight of war and yet still looked forward to building something better. She reminds us that behind every refugee statistic lies a story—personal, fragile, and full of dreams worth protecting.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Who was Iryna Zarutska?
Iryna Zarutska was a 23-year-old Ukrainian refugee living in Charlotte, North Carolina. She fled Kyiv after the Russian invasion in 20
22 and worked in the U.S. while studying English.
Where was Iryna Zarutska from?
She was born and raised in Kyiv, Ukraine, and immigrated with her mother, sister, and brother to the United States in 2022.
What happened to Iryna Zarutska in the Charlotte train stabbing?
On August 22, 2025, she was fatally stabbed while riding a Charlotte Area Transit train on the Lynx Blue Line.
Why is her story significant?
Her life reflects the struggles of displaced refugees, the challenges of starting over, and the tragic reality of violence in public spaces that can touch even those who sought safety abroad.
Why is Iryna Zarutska’s story important to refugees?
Iryna Zarutska’s life illustrates the struggles and hopes of refugees, showing how displacement, safety, and dreams for a better life can intersect in both inspiring and tragic ways.
Where is Iryna Zarutska buried?
Iryna Zarutska was laid to rest in the United States, where she and her family had hoped to build a safe and peaceful life after fleeing Ukraine.