Pregnant Mom, Husband Drowns While Snorkeling in Maui, Leaving Toddler

A community in Snohomish, Washington, is grieving the tragic loss of a couple and their unborn child, who seemingly drowned while snorkeling in Hawaii.

The victims have been identified as Ilya Tsaruk and Sophia Kovalevich. The couple, both 26 years old, were loved members of their community.

Tia Tsuark, Sophia’s sister-in-law, expressed the heartbreak of losing the couple when she spoke to local media. “She was going to become a girl mom,” Tia said, recalling her time spent with Ilya and Sophia during a vacation in Maui.

On Saturday afternoon, the Maui Fire Department, along with ocean safety personnel, responded to reports of swimmers in distress near the Ahihi-Kinau Natural Area Reserve. Initial assessments revealed that the couple had gone snorkeling.

First-responders reached Sophia first and found her in the water. They took her to shore and began performing CPR. They later returned to search for Ilya and discovered his body on the ocean floor, approximately 150 yards from the shore.

Rescue crews also brought Ilya to shore, where they continued to administer life-saving measures. Unfortunately, despite their efforts, both individuals were pronounced dead at the scene.

The couple leaves behind their 18-month-old son, Logan, who will now grow up without his parents. They were active members of the Sulamita Slavic Church, where they participated in a worship group.

A fundraising effort has emerged to support their family during this devastating time. Andrew Tupikov, a friend from Roseville, California, initiated the fundraiser, highlighting the strong faith and community spirit of Ilya and Sophia. “We lost a dear sister and brother, daughter and son, and beautiful niece,” he stated. “But we know that heaven received and gained the three of them with open arms.”

As of Thursday, the fundraiser had attracted nearly 1,000 donations, raising over $134,000 to assist Logan and honor the memory of his parents.

The community is holding a celebration of life along with funeral services scheduled for September 26 and 27.

This tragic incident highlights the dangers of water activities and the importance of safety precautions, especially in unfamiliar environments. Ilya and Sophia’s dedication to each other and their faith was evident in their involvement with their church and the love they shared with their family and community.

In a time filled with loss and heartache, this family’s story serves as a reminder of the fragility of life and the connections that bind us all together. As loved ones mourn, the community comes together to support Logan in the wake of this unimaginable tragedy.

The heartbreaking loss of a young family resonates deeply within their community, and many continue to offer support and prayers for Logan, expressing hopes for his future. Community members remember Ilya and Sophia for their kindness, dedication, and unwavering faith in God.

As they navigate this painful chapter in their lives, it remains clear that while Ilya, Sophia, and their unborn child are no longer with them, their memory will live on in the hearts of those they touched.

Source: USA TODAY