Couple tragically pass away while snorkeling on Hawaii babymoon getaway | US News
A tragic incident occurred in Hawaii as a couple, Ilya Tsaruk, 25, and his pregnant wife, Sophia Tsaruk, 26, passed away while snorkeling. The couple, who resided in Washington state, were expecting their second child and had been on vacation in Maui. They left behind an 18-month-old son who was not with them at the time of the incident. The unborn child they were eagerly awaiting was to be named Melody.
Sophia Tsaruk was found unresponsive in the water approximately 140m from the shore and was brought back by emergency responders on a jet ski for CPR. As efforts were made to save her, a search was conducted for her husband, Ilya Tsaruk, who was later found on the ocean floor and also brought ashore for resuscitation. Sadly, both individuals were pronounced dead at the scene.
In an interview with local media outlet KITV, family members revealed that the Tsaruks were in Hawaii for a babymoon with two other couples, including Ilya Tsaruk’s brother and his wife. The family mentioned that the couple were wearing full-face snorkel masks when the incident occurred.
“We don’t believe she suffocated in the mask,” stated Anatoliy Tsaruk, brother of Ilya Tsaruk. “It may have contributed to her panic. At this stage, everything is just speculation.”
Taisiya Tsaruk expressed, “They were very optimistic about life and the future.”
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A GoFundMe campaign, available in both English and Russian, has been created to assist the family with funeral costs. The Tsaruks were active churchgoers and sang together in a worship group. The fundraiser has raised nearly $150,000 (£113,000).
A special service to celebrate their lives is scheduled for 26 September, followed by a burial the next day.
