Tragic Mystery: Washington Couple and Unborn Child Die in ‘Calm’ Maui Waters

MAUI, HI. (THECOUNT) — Ilya and Sophia Tsaruk, a young couple from Washington state, tragically lost their lives while vacationing on Maui. The pair, along with their unborn child, died under puzzling circumstances on Saturday while swimming or possibly snorkeling near the Ahihi-Kinau Natural Area Reserve in southwest Maui. The incident has left their families in deep grief and raised questions about how such an event could occur in seemingly calm waters.

Details of the Incident:

The Maui Fire Department and Ocean Safety personnel were called to respond to a report of swimmers or snorkelers in distress at 12:02 p.m. According to the Maui Department of Fire and Public Safety, emergency crews were dispatched to the north side of the reserve to investigate. The reserve, known for its unguarded beaches and remote location, stretches from Ahihi Bay to La Perouse Bay. While the area isn’t typically associated with dangerous rip currents, the tragedy that unfolded raises concerns about the hidden risks of open water activities.

Ocean Safety personnel, using a rescue JetSki, located Sophia Tsaruk, 26, approximately 100 to 150 yards offshore. She was unresponsive when they brought her ashore, and firefighters performed CPR in an attempt to revive her. However, their efforts were in vain, and she was later pronounced dead by Emergency Medical Services.

While tending to Sophia, Ocean Safety officers continued their search for her husband, Ilya Tsaruk, 25. He was found on the ocean floor, and like his wife, attempts to resuscitate him were unsuccessful. Both Ilya and Sophia were pronounced dead at the scene.

Questions Surrounding the Tragedy:

The mysterious circumstances of the couple’s deaths have left many puzzled. According to Chris Stankil, a spokesperson for the Maui Fire Department, conditions in the area at the time of the incident were mostly calm with minimal surf. The area where the couple was found is not known for strong rip currents or dangerous undertows, making their deaths all the more perplexing.

There is still uncertainty about whether the couple was snorkeling or simply swimming. Stankil noted that the incident report did not mention any specific equipment, such as snorkels or masks, when Ocean Safety officers found them. The location, 100 to 150 yards from the shore, suggests that snorkeling is a possibility, though this has not been confirmed. It also remains unclear whether the couple was part of a commercial snorkeling group or had ventured out on their own.

The area’s lack of lifeguards has also come under scrutiny. The nearest lifeguard towers are located at Makena State Beach Park, some distance from the natural area reserve. Given the remoteness of the site, safety measures, or the lack thereof, may have contributed to the delay in assistance.

Family and Community in Mourning:

The Tsaruk family is now grappling not only with the loss of Ilya and Sophia but also their unborn daughter. According to a GoFundMe page set up by Andrey Tupikov, a family friend, the couple leaves behind an 18-month-old son named Logan, who was being cared for by relatives at the time of the tragedy.

“Yesterday, we lost a dear sister and brother, daughter and son, and beautiful niece, but we know that heaven received and gained the three of them with open arms,” reads the GoFundMe page. It goes on to describe the couple’s strong faith and dedication to their church community. Both Ilya and Sophia were active in their church, often singing together in the worship group. “Sophia had the voice of an angel,” the page adds, highlighting their deep connection to their faith and their community.

A Call for Support:

As the family navigates this difficult time, they are seeking support from the broader community to help cover funeral expenses and the cost of bringing the couple home from Hawaii. As of Monday evening, the GoFundMe page had surpassed its $100,000 goal, with over 600 contributions pouring in from those moved by the tragedy.

The Tsaruk family’s grief is immense, and the mystery surrounding the couple’s deaths only adds to the weight of their loss. For now, their focus remains on bringing Ilya, Sophia, and their unborn daughter back to Washington, where they can be laid to rest.

Via GoFundMe:

“Yesterday, we lost a dear sister and brother, daughter and son, and beautiful niece, but we know that heaven received and gained the three of them with open arms. On September 14th, 2024, Ilya and Sophia Tsaruk tragically passed away together while on vacation in Maui. They were retrieved from the ocean by lifeguards who were unable to revive them after much effort. Sophia was pregnant with a baby girl, and they leave behind their 18-month-old baby, Logan, who was staying with his aunt and uncle at the time. Ilya and Sophia both loved the Lord and were always serving in the church and serving people around them. Sophia had the voice of an angel, and together with Ilya, they sang in a worship group in their church.

The Kovalevich and Tsaruk families are grieving today, and this pain will not pass soon, but we continue to pray and lean on the Lord. We ask that you support and carry us and our families in prayers, and if you have it in your hearts to contribute towards funeral expenses, everything is appreciated. There will be expenses to get them transported home from Hawaii and all of the other funeral preparations and expenses to follow as well. May God bless you all for your generosity, and may the Lord be our comfort and strength in this time of suffering and pain.

We are blessed to have had both of them in our lives and are left now with the sweet memories and moments that we shared together with them. Their serving spirit and warm company will never be forgotten, and may God help us all to love and serve one another as Ilya and Sophia served.

Until we meet again in the arms of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.

Вчера мы потеряли дорогих сестру и брата, дочь и сына, и прекрасную племянницу, но, мы знаем, что небеса приняли и обрели их троих с распростертыми объятиями. 14 сентября 2024 года Илья и София Царук трагически погибли вместе во время отпуска на Мауи. Их вытащили из океана спасатели, которые не смогли их оживить после многих усилий. София была беременна девочкой, и они оставляют своего 18-месячного ребенка Логана, который у своей тети и дяди. Илья и София оба любили Господа и всегда служили в церкви и служили людям вокруг них. У Софии был голос ангела, и вместе с Ильей они пели в группе прославления в своей церкви.

Семьи Ковалевич и Царук скорбят сегодня, и эта боль не пройдет скоро, но мы продолжаем молиться и опираться на Господа. Мы просим вас поддержать и нести нас и наши семьи в молитвах, и если у вас есть на сердце желание внести свой вклад в расходы на похороны, мы будем за все благодарны. Будут расходы на их транспортировку домой с Гавайев, а также на все остальные приготовления и расходы на похороны. Да благословит вас всех Бог за вашу щедрость, и да будет Господь нашим утешением и силой в это время страданий и боли.

Нам повезло, что они оба были в нашей жизни, и теперь у нас остались приятные воспоминания и моменты, которые мы разделили с ними. Их дух служения и теплая компания никогда не будут забыты, и да поможет нам всем Бог любить и служить друг другу, как служили Илья и София.

До встречи, в объятиях нашего Господа и Спасителя Иисуса Христа.”

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