Family and friends are grieving the tragic deaths of a young Washington state couple, Ilya and Sophia Tsaruk, who died while snorkeling on vacation in Hawaii. The couple, who were in their mid-20s, was found unresponsive by first responders near Āhihi-Kīnaʻu Natural Area Reserve on Maui. Sophia was pregnant, and they had an 18-month-old son who was not with them at the time. Both were pronounced dead at the scene despite efforts to revive them.
The Tsaruks had traveled to Hawaii with two other couples for a babymoon when the incident occurred. They were wearing full face snorkel masks, and it is speculated that the masks may have caused Sophia to panic, although details are still unclear. The surviving toddler is being cared for by family, and the couple had been preparing to welcome a daughter named Melody.
A celebration of life is planned for September 26, followed by a burial service on September 27 in Washington. The local police department has not yet responded to inquiries about the incident, and it is unknown if an investigation is underway. The Tsaruks’ relatives remember them as excited about the future and eagerly preparing for the arrival of their baby girl. The community has come together to support the family during this difficult time as they mourn the loss of two young lives.
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