Family and friends are grieving the tragic deaths of 25-year-old Ilya Tsaruk and 26-year-old Sophia Tsaruk, a Washington state couple who died while snorkeling on vacation in Hawaii. Sophia was pregnant at the time, and the couple had an 18-month-old son who was not with them during the incident. The couple was found unresponsive in the water near the north side of Āhihi-Kīnaʻu Natural Area Reserve on Maui by first responders on September 14.
Emergency responders attempted CPR on both Ilya and Sophia, but sadly they were pronounced dead at the scene. The couple was in Hawaii for a babymoon with two other couples and decided to go snorkeling on the first day of their vacation. They were wearing full face snorkel masks at the time of the incident.
The surviving toddler is now in the care of family members. The couple had been anticipating the arrival of their unborn daughter, who they had planned to name Melody. A celebration of life is planned for September 26 followed by a burial service on September 27 in Washington. The cause of the incident remains unclear, with family members speculating that the snorkel masks may have played a role in causing panic, but authorities have not released further details. The community is devastated by the loss of this young couple, who were filled with excitement for their future together.
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