Father of Ukrainian Refugee Killed in North Carolina Unable to Attend Funeral

The father of Ukrainian murder victim Iryna Zarutska could not attend her funeral in Charlotte, North Carolina because of strict rules banning fighting age men from leaving Ukraine

The father of Ukrainian Iryna Zarutska, who was fatally stabbed on a commuter train in Charlotte, North Carolina, was unable to attend her funeral due to Ukraine’s wartime ban on men of fighting age leaving the country.

Stanislav Zarutskyi was described as «devastated» at being unable to say goodbye to his 20-year-old daughter, who emigrated to the United States with her mother and siblings three years ago after Russia’s full-scale invasion. Iryna’s alleged attacker, identified as Decarlos Brown Jr., is a homeless repeat offender now facing murder charges.

Stanislav Zarutskyi, pictured left, was reportedly ‘devastated’ not to be able to pay his last respects after his beautiful daughter was brutally stabbed to death on a train.

The killing, captured on CCTV, has sparked outrage in the U.S. and abroad, with President Donald Trump calling the incident «horrible.» Critics also condemned major U.S. outlets for initially overlooking the story.

Iryna’s murder last month – captured in chilling CCTV footage – has sparked nationwide shock

Friends and family remembered Iryna as a gifted artist who studied art and restoration in Kyiv, loved animals, and dreamed of becoming a veterinary assistant. She worked various jobs in Charlotte while also modeling part-time. «She shared her creativity generously, gifting family and friends with her artwork,» her obituary read.

Iryna graduated from Synergy College in Kyiv with a degree in Art and Restoration

Family photos and videos released after her death show a smiling young woman with aspirations of becoming a model, underscoring the tragedy of her violent death.

«Her absence leaves a deep void, but her spirit will forever remain in the hearts of those who loved her,» relatives said.

Iryna pictured as a child. She ‘will be remembered for her kindness, her creativity, and the lasting impression she left on everyone she met’, her obituary read.

Iryna is survived by her parents, Anna and Stanislav, her sister Valeriia, brother Bohdan, and life partner Stas Nikulytsia.

Kursiv Uzbekistan also reports that the man accused of fatally stabbing Ukrainian refugee Iryna Zarutska on a train in Charlotte, North Carolina, told his family he attacked her because he believed she was reading his mind, according to his sister.