Family and friends are mourning the deaths of a young Washington state couple, Ilya and Sophia Tsaruk, who tragically died while snorkeling on vacation in Hawaii. Sophia was pregnant at the time of her death, and the couple had an 18-month-old son who was not with them. The couple was found unresponsive near the north side of Āhihi-Kīnaʻu Natural Area Reserve on Maui by first responders. Despite efforts to revive them, both Ilya and Sophia were pronounced dead at the scene.
The Tsaruks were from Snohomish, Washington, and were on a babymoon trip to Hawaii with two other couples, including Ilya’s brother and his wife. The group had decided to go snorkeling on the first day of their vacation and were wearing full-face snorkel masks at the time of the incident. Family members believe that Sophia may have panicked while wearing the mask, but the exact cause of their deaths remains unclear. The couple was looking forward to welcoming their unborn daughter, whom they planned to name Melody, and had been preparing for her arrival with excitement.
Sophia Tsaruk was found unresponsive in the water about 100-150 yards from the shore, while Ilya Tsaruk was discovered on the ocean floor. Emergency responders attempted CPR on both individuals but were unable to revive them. The local Maui County Fire department responded to a report of swimmers in distress on September 14, and the tragic incident occurred shortly after noon. Following the deaths of the Tsaruks, family and friends are preparing to hold a celebration of life on September 26 and a burial service on September 27 in Washington to honor their memory.
The surviving toddler is reportedly in good hands with family members, who are now grappling with the loss of their loved ones. The tragic deaths of the Tsaruk couple have left the community in shock, with many expressing their sorrow and support for the family on social media platforms. The local police department has not yet commented on whether an investigation into the incident is underway. The family members have shared their grief and memories of the Tsaruks in media interviews, describing the couple as excited and hopeful about the future that awaited them, including the arrival of their baby girl.
In the wake of this devastating loss, the community has come together to support the Tsaruk family during this difficult time. A verified GoFundMe page has been set up to help cover funeral expenses and support the couple’s surviving family members. The tragic deaths of Ilya and Sophia Tsaruk while on vacation in Hawaii serve as a somber reminder of the fragility of life and the importance of cherishing the time spent with loved ones. The couple will be remembered for their joy and anticipation of welcoming a new addition to their family, and their legacy will continue to live on in the hearts of those who knew and loved them.
