Iryna Zarutska

About Iryna Zarutska

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.

Iryna Zarutska, a Ukrainian artist and war refugee who had fled her country due to an ongoing war, was fatally stabbed by a criminal on the subway in North Carolina. The assailant, with 14 prior arrests, Decarlos Brown Jr., was arrested upon exiting the train and charged with first-degree murder. East/West Boulevard station, Charlotte, North Carolina, U.S.