🚨 HEARTBREAKING CROSS-STATE TRAGEDY IN FLORIDA: Russell Kot (51) didn’t stop after ending things with his ex — he drove hours across the state and took the lives of her entire family in Sarasota. 😢💔

It began quietly in Fort Lauderdale with his former partner Larisa Blyudaya (46) and her son Ben Azizov (18). Then, the pain spread to her mother Florita Stolyar, stepfather Anatoly Ioffe, brother Yaroslav Blyudoy, and even the family housekeeper Olga Greinert.

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The sequence began in Fort Lauderdale’s Victoria Park neighborhood, where 51-year-old Russell Kot is believed to have ended the lives of his former romantic partner, Larisa Blyudaya, 46, and her 18-year-old son, Ben Azizov, during the morning hours. Police conducted a welfare check around 1:30 p.m. after concerned calls and discovered the two had passed away.

Kot, who had lived with Blyudaya in Fort Lauderdale after moving from Illinois in late 2025, left the scene and traveled more than 200 miles north to Sarasota County. Surveillance footage tracked his vehicle heading in that direction.

In the gated Amberlea community near Bee Ridge, deputies responded to a 911 call and found Anatoly Ioffe, 61, injured outside the family home on Fallcrest Circle. He was rushed to a hospital but did not survive. Inside the residence, authorities located the bodies of Florita “Rita” Stolyar, 66 (Blyudaya’s mother), her son Yaroslav “Stan” Blyudoy, 39, and Olga Greinert, 49, a longtime family housekeeper and friend who was visiting that day.

Kot was found deceased inside the home from a self-inflicted wound. Investigators believe he sent a text message expressing suicidal thoughts to his own relatives shortly before the Sarasota events unfolded. When Stolyar and Ioffe returned home, they encountered the situation, leading to the additional losses before Kot ended his own life.

The Sarasota County Sheriff’s Office (SCSO) confirmed Kot had prior familiarity with the residence — he had visited in the past, possibly to assist with family matters or pet care — and had met Greinert at least once. A search of his vehicle revealed various items including firearms, knives, rope, tape, and an ax, though authorities have not detailed how each was used.

The motive remains under active investigation by joint teams from Fort Lauderdale Police, SCSO, and state agencies. No public statement has outlined a clear reason for the actions, though the targeted nature — focusing on Blyudaya and her extended family — suggests deep personal conflict stemming from the ended relationship.

Family and friends have shared heartfelt tributes online and through GoFundMe pages. Blyudaya was remembered as a loving mother dedicated to her son’s future. Azizov was described as a young man “just beginning his journey.” Stolyar and Ioffe co-founded the Osprey PolyClinic and were pillars in their professional and personal circles. Greinert was called a “devoted mother” by her teenage son, who expressed profound sorrow.

The tragedy has united communities in both cities. Vigils have been held in Fort Lauderdale and Sarasota, with residents gathering to light candles, share memories, and offer support. Local leaders have emphasized the importance of reaching out in times of emotional distress and strengthening resources for those facing relationship challenges or mental health struggles.

No prior documented threats or restraining orders were publicly noted in connection with Kot and Blyudaya, though the rapid escalation has prompted renewed discussion about early intervention in troubled partnerships.

The investigation continues, with forensic examination of evidence, digital records, and witness statements ongoing. Authorities have stated Kot acted alone, and no additional individuals are being sought.

For the surviving relatives — now grieving multiple generations at once — the loss is compounded by the suddenness and the cross-state scope. Community fundraisers and counseling services have mobilized quickly to provide practical and emotional support.

As Florida reflects on this sorrowful chapter, the focus remains on honoring the memories of those lost and supporting families through unimaginable grief. The events serve as a somber reminder of how deeply personal pain can affect many lives when left unaddressed.