The tragic reason Iryna Zarutska’s dad didn’t go to her funeral only makes the story sadder

Iryna Zarutska was buried in Charlotte, North Carolina, at the end of August, and while the rest of her family was in attendance, her dad was unable to put his daughter to rest.

On August 22, Iryna Zarutska was viciously killed in an unprovoked attack that has since gone viral on Twitter. The man responsible, captured on the footage and arrested at the next bus stop, was Decarlos Brown Jr, who suffers from schizophrenia.

“We are heartbroken beyond words. Iryna came here to find peace and safety, and instead her life was stolen from her in the most horrific way,” a family spokesperson said. “No family should have to go through this.”

Decarlos is now facing the death penalty for the crime, with Donald Trump supporting the extreme punishment on Truth Social: “The ANIMAL who so violently killed the beautiful young lady from Ukraine, who came to America searching for peace and safety, should be given a ‘Quick’ (there is no doubt!) Trial, and only awarded THE DEATH PENALTY. There can be no other option!!!”

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Credit: Charlotte Area Transit System

Why wasn’t Iryna Zarutska’s dad at her funeral?

Three years ago, Iryna Zarutska fled Russia’s invasion of Ukraine alongside her mother and two younger siblings. Unfortunately, her father, Stanislav Zarutskyi, was forced to stay behind in Ukraine due to strict rules prohibiting fighting-age men from leaving the country. He was reportedly “devastated” that he couldn’t attend the funeral.

“He had to stay back. He didn’t come for the funeral,” said a neighbour of Iryna’s family in Charlotte. “He’s still there for whatever the wartime rules are.”

In an interview with the New York Post, the same neighbour referred to Iryna as “sweet”, adding: “They’re taking it really hard. She was sweet. The whole neighbourhood loved her. Everyone loved her here. She did a lot of pet sitting for neighbours. She was a good, sweet person.”

Iryna’s family released a beautiful obituary following the funeral, calling her a “vibrant spirit” who loved art, friends, family, and fashion.

Credit: James Funeral Home

“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,” the obituary read.

“Iryna will be remembered for her kindness, her creativity, and the lasting impression she left on everyone she met,” it continued. “Her absence leaves a deep void, but her spirit will forever remain in the hearts of those who loved her.”