Iryna Zarutska was a Ukrainian refugee who fled the war in Kyiv in 2022 and moved to Charlotte, North Carolina, with her family. She was known for her artistic talents and her vibrant spirit, quickly adapting to her new life in the United States.
Despite the challenges of being a refugee, Iryna thrived in her new environment, mastering English and engaging in community activities. Her life was tragically cut short on August 22, 2025, when she was killed in an unprovoked attack on a light rail train in Charlotte.