23-Year-Old Ukrainian Refugee Iryna Zarutska Remembered After Tragic End

What began as a routine evening commute on Charlotte’s light rail system turned into a tragedy that shook an entire community. On August 22, 2025, 23-year-old Ukrainian refugee Iryna Zarutska lost her life in a violent attack aboard a Charlotte Area Transit System (CATS) train.

Authorities later confirmed that the suspect, 27-year-old Decarlos Brown, was taken into custody at the East/West Boulevard Station and charged with first-degree murder. Brown, who had prior offenses and a history of mental health challenges, was permanently banned from all CATS services. The incident has sparked difficult conversations about public safety, prevention, and how best to protect vulnerable communities.

A City in Mourning

The release of surveillance footage documenting the attack led to an outpouring of grief and anger across Charlotte and beyond. City leaders, including Mayor Vi Lyles, expressed condolences to the Zarutska family and praised local outlets and residents for choosing not to share the graphic images, calling it an act of compassion and respect.

Even national leaders weighed in. President Donald Trump condemned the killing, describing it as a “senseless tragedy” and extending his support to Iryna’s family.

A Life Full of Promise

For those who knew her, Iryna was far more than a headline. Born in Kyiv, Ukraine, on May 22, 2002, she grew up surrounded by family and art. After the war in Ukraine intensified in 2022, she relocated to Charlotte with her mother, sister, and brother to begin a new life.

Iryna had graduated from Synergy College in Kyiv with a degree in Art and Restoration. She was a gifted painter, sculptor, and designer, often creating pieces that reflected her vibrant spirit. Friends and neighbors remembered her warmth, her love for animals, and her ability to bring joy into everyday moments.

Her dreams extended beyond the canvas. She aspired to become a veterinary assistant, combining her compassion with her skills. She studied English diligently, practiced driving for independence, and embraced life in her new home with courage and optimism.

The People Who Loved Her

Iryna is survived by her parents, Anna Zarutska and Stanislav Zarutskyi, her sister Valeriia, her brother Bohdan, her partner Stas Nikulytsia, her aunt Valeria Haskell and Frank Scott, and cousins Vera and Viktor Falkner, along with countless relatives and friends.

Her Instagram page remains filled with snapshots of joy—smiles, artwork, and candid moments that reveal the depth of her creativity and kindness. For many, these images now serve as a powerful reminder of who she was: an artist, a dreamer, and a source of light to those around her.

A Call to Reflect

Iryna’s story has become part of a broader discussion about safety on public transit, mental health awareness, and the challenges refugees face when building a new life far from home. But beyond policy debates, her life reminds us of something more personal: the importance of compassion, resilience, and community.

She had already endured the struggles of displacement and starting over, yet she carried herself with strength and hope for the future. That legacy is what her loved ones hold onto now.

Honoring Her Memory

Iryna Zarutska’s life mattered. Her story reminds us of the fragility of life and the strength it takes to rebuild in the face of hardship. Though her time was cut short, her art, her dreams, and her spirit will continue to inspire.

Let us remember Iryna not for the way her life ended, but for the joy, talent, and kindness she shared. Share her story as a reminder that even in moments of darkness, compassion and resilience can shine through.