Family and friends are mourning the deaths of a young Washington state couple, Ilya and Sophia Tsaruk, who died while snorkeling on vacation in Hawaii. Sophia, who was pregnant, and Ilya were found unresponsive near the shore of the Āhihi-Kīnaʻu Natural Area Reserve on Maui. Despite efforts to revive them, they were pronounced dead at the scene. The couple had an 18-month-old son who was not with them at the time of the tragedy.
The Tsaruks were in Hawaii for a babymoon with family and friends when the incident occurred. They were wearing full face snorkel masks while swimming, although it is unclear if the masks contributed to the accident. The surviving toddler is being cared for by family, and the Tsaruks had been eagerly preparing for the arrival of their unborn daughter, Melody.
A celebration of life and burial service are planned to honor the couple in Washington. The local police department and fire authorities have not provided details about the incident, and the exact cause of their deaths remains under investigation. Family members expressed their shock and sadness at the loss of Ilya and Sophia, remembering them as a loving and excited couple looking forward to their future.
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