Pregnant Mom & Husband Drown While Snorkeling in Hawaii, Leaving Toddler an Orphan

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A couple from Washington State died on a vacation in Maui, leaving behind their 18-month-old son. The Maui County Fire Department received a call about swimmers or snorkelers in distress near the north side of Ahihi-Kinau Natural Area Reserve around noon on September 14. Ilya Tsaruk, 25, and his wife, Sophia Tsaruk, 26, were in the area and needed help.

Per a news release from the fire department, crews arrived a short time later and tried to save the couple, but tragically, they could not be revived. Now, family and friends are rallying around the couple’s young son, Logan, and hoping to raise funds for his future in memory of his parents.

Emergency responders found Sophia Tsaruk first.

Maui County Fire Department reported that rescue Jetski 14 located the mother first and began CPR but was unable to revive her. Ilya Tsaruk was located underwater about 100 to 150 yards from the shore a short time later. He was also taken to the shore for CPR, but efforts were unsuccessful.

“Both parties were pronounced deceased at the scene by EMS,” the release reads.

The couple were enjoying some time away.

According to a GoFundMe account, the couple was vacationing together while Logan stayed with relatives, and Sophia was pregnant with a baby girl.

“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 fundraising page reads.

The family plans to bring the couple back to Washington.

Sadly, the unexpected passing has brought with it many expenses. Their families wish to bring the couple back to Washington from Hawaii for their funerals. They hope for the support of loved ones and their community.

“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,” the post reads.

All additional funds will go to Logan’s future.

The fundraiser’s creator, Andrey Tupikov, recently updated the post with good news. With more than $125,000 in donations, it has surpassed its original goal of $100,000. The funerals have been scheduled for Sept. 25.

Tupikov wrote, “Remaining funds, after all transport and funeral expenses, will be responsibly allocated and put away to help facilitate little Logan’s future life. There are so many hurdles that we foresee in making sure that he is taken care of in every way, and we are so thankful that so many people have opened their hearts to help. May God reward everyone with His mercy and grace!”