The Last Ride of Iryna Zarutska: A Life Stolen, A World Complicit
It all begins with an idea.
On August 22, 2025, a tragedy unfolded on the Lynx Blue Line in Charlotte, North Carolina. A young Ukrainian refugee, Iryna Zarutska, only 23 years old, was brutally stabbed to death while riding the train. Her murder was sudden, unprovoked, and devastating — a moment that has shaken communities across the globe and raised urgent questions about safety, justice, and the value we place on human life.
Iryna had fled Ukraine in 2022 to escape the war. Like so many displaced people, she dreamed of safety, stability, and a future where she could rebuild her life. She had taken on jobs, studied English, made friends, and cared deeply for animals. By all accounts, she was known for her warmth and kindness. She came to the United States seeking peace. Instead, she found a violent end that no one deserves.