‘Her life mattered’: Charlotte vigil remembers Ukrainian woman killed on light rail

CHARLOTTE — A vigil was held at Marshall Park in Charlotte to honor Iryna Zarutska, a 23-year-old Ukrainian woman who was stabbed to death three weeks ago on the light rail in South End.

The memorial at the light rail station where Iryna was killed continues to grow, and the vigil was organized by the group ‘Mom’s Ain’t Playing,’ which advocates for victims of violent crime.

“I thought it was a beautiful vigil for a beautiful woman who died needlessly,” said one participant at the vigil.

Clydia Davis, the founder of ‘Mom’s Ain’t Playing,’ emphasized the importance of recognizing Iryna’s humanity: “She was a human being; she may be a white female, and I’m a Black female, but we are human beings, and her life mattered.”

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Will Davis, a participant, expressed his frustration with the system, saying, “I just feel like the system failed these women; if they were locked up getting the help they needed, these two girls would be here today.”

Anton Rostotski, a Ukrainian and U.S. citizen, lamented the circumstances of Iryna’s death: “For Iryna to just flee this country to get safer and then end up in this kind of tragedy. It shouldn’t happen here; this country should be, like, safe.”

During the ceremony, participants walked in front of Iryna’s picture and blew out their candles, symbolizing the extinguishing of her life.

Millie Binam, another participant, shared her feelings of vulnerability: “It’s terrible for us out here; people are scared to speak up, people are scared to come out.”

Tomorrow, another vigil is planned at the light rail station where Iryna was killed, organized by members of the community and scheduled to start at 3 p.m.

The community continues to mourn Iryna’s death, with vigils and growing memorials serving as reminders of the impact of violent crime and the need for systemic change.

>>Click here for more coverage on the light rail stabbing.

VIDEO: Attorney for Iryna Zarutska’s family: ‘They’re grieving in the national spotlight’