In the quiet aftermath of unimaginable loss, a close friend of Iryna Zarutsk opens up about the profound grief that has enveloped her life. For four consecutive days, strange and vivid dreams have tormented her nights, each one more unsettling than the last. These aren’t ordinary dreams; they replay moments of joy mixed with an eerie sense of foreboding, leaving her waking in cold sweats and tears that refuse to stop. “Every time I look at her photo, I cry,” she confesses, her voice trembling as she describes the images of Iryna that once brought comfort but now evoke only heartache.

Iryna Zarutsk was the epitome of warmth and kindness, a young woman whose life seemed straight out of a feel-good story. At just 23 years old, she had already carved out a new beginning far from the chaos of her homeland. Born in Kyiv, Ukraine, in 2002, Iryna fled the ongoing conflict with Russia in 2022, arriving in the United States alongside her mother, sister, and brother. They settled in Charlotte, North Carolina, where Iryna quickly adapted to her new surroundings. She embraced the American dream with open arms, finding solace in simple pleasures that defined her gentle spirit.

Pictures of Iryna capture her in moments of pure bliss: strolling through parks while walking her beloved dog, the sun casting a golden glow on her face as she laughed freely. She volunteered at local nursing homes, where her infectious smile brightened the days of elderly residents. With a soft-spoken demeanor and a heart full of empathy, Iryna spent her free time engaging in acts of service, whether it was organizing community events or lending a hand to those in need. Art was her passion; she often sketched portraits and landscapes, pouring her emotions onto paper. Friends remember her as someone who always had time for a kind word or a hug, her constant smile a beacon of hope amid the uncertainties of refugee life.

But beneath that radiant smile lay a vulnerability that few could fathom. Iryna’s journey to safety wasn’t without its scars. The war in Ukraine had forced her family to leave everything behind – their home, their friends, and the familiar rhythms of daily life. In Charlotte, she worked diligently, often taking the light rail to and from her job, determined to build a stable future. She dreamed of pursuing higher education, perhaps in the arts, and spoke excitedly about traveling across the U.S. to experience its diverse cultures. Her optimism was unwavering, a shield against the traumas of displacement.

Yet, tragedy struck without warning on August 22, 2025, shattering this fragile peace. While riding the Lynx Blue Line light rail home from work, Iryna was the victim of a random, unprovoked attack. A 34-year-old man, later identified as Decarlos Brown Jr., allegedly stabbed her at the East/West Boulevard station. Despite the quick response from bystanders and emergency services, Iryna succumbed to her injuries. The incident sent shockwaves through the community, highlighting the harsh realities of urban violence and the vulnerabilities faced by immigrants seeking refuge.

Her best friend, who has remained anonymous amid the overwhelming media attention, describes the days following the incident as a blur of sorrow and surreal visions. “The dreams started right after,” she says. In them, Iryna appears as she always did – sweet, walking her dog, volunteering with that perpetual smile. But each dream twists into something darker, a premonition of the loss that was to come. For four nights, sleep offered no escape; instead, it amplified the pain, leading to endless crying that echoed the depth of their bond.

This chilling revelation underscores the hidden struggles behind Iryna’s cheerful facade. What seemed like an unbreakable spirit was, in reality, a quiet battle against the fears of a world that could turn cruel in an instant. Her story serves as a poignant reminder of the human cost of conflict and displacement. Communities in Charlotte have rallied in her memory, organizing vigils and fundraisers to support her family and raise awareness about public safety on transit systems. Iryna’s legacy lives on through the lives she touched – the elderly she comforted, the friends she uplifted, and the art she created.

As her best friend grapples with these haunting nightmares, she clings to the sweet memories, hoping they will one day overshadow the grief. But for now, every glance at a photo reignites the tears, a testament to a life cut tragically short and the enduring impact of one woman’s kindness. In a world fraught with uncertainty, Iryna’s smile remains a symbol of resilience, even as the truth behind it evokes a profound, bone-chilling sadness.