Charlotte honors Iryna Zarutska at Vigil

CHARLOTTE, N.C. — Hundreds of people stood shoulder to shoulder Monday night in South End Charlotte, honoring the life of 23-year-old Iryna Zarutska.

Zarutska, a Ukrainian refugee, was killed last month while riding Charlotte’s light rail system. Her death has fueled demands for safer transit and mental health reform, both in North Carolina and across the nation.

At the vigil, her name echoed through the streets as prayers were said and candles lit. The event was organized by the Mecklenburg County GOP.

One speaker told the crowd, “This tragic loss deeply touches every heart and every soul here, present and even wider. And it will take time for these wounds to begin to heal.”

Strangers gathered together, clutching roses and candles. Among them was Charlotte resident Kimberly Fahey.

“This has impacted not just the Charlotte area, but the entire world,” Fahey said.

Fahey carried flowers from her daughter’s wedding, placing them at the site as a symbol of the moments Zarutska will never experience.

“My daughter just got married on Saturday, and I bring these flowers that were from her wedding because I read it will never have a wedding, and she will never see beautiful flowers like this again and it’s tragic.”

For Fahey, the vigil was a reminder of the strength of community.

“And I was not going to miss it,” she said. “So, yes, I’m proud of the community and the world for showing so much support. We need to do better.”

She said “better” means safer public transit and more attention to mental health, and she hopes the tragedy will not define Charlotte.

“I think we’re a great city. And come visit us and don’t be scared of this because it does happen in a lot of places. This was just such a horrible tragedy that I don’t, well, I don’t really know what could have fully prevented it. Just keep the love going for each other.”

As Fahey laid her flowers down, she reflected on what Zarutska will never have.

“From the things I’ve read and everything I’ve seen how loved she was, and she deserves this day. She deserved a day to be married also and to be carrying flowers like this,” she said.

The night ended quietly as candles flickered in the dark, and a community grieving a life cut short.

Zarutska’s memorial at the East West light rail station continues to grow.

(Spectrum News 1/Jordan Kudisch)