CHARLOTTE, N.C. — Family and friends are mourning the loss of 23-year-old Iryna Zarutska, who was stabbed to death Friday night on a LYNX Blue Line train in South End.

Loved ones say Zarutska, who recently fled Ukraine, came to Charlotte seeking peace and new beginnings but her story ended in tragedy.

“She was always very helpful, very supportive, and just had a heart of gold," family friend Lonnie said. "She was a sweetheart. And it makes me sick to think that she's gone."

Zarutska left Ukraine to escape the daily dangers of war.

“Life was like it is right now, just bombing daily, depending on what province you're in, and you don't know if you're going to live to breathe another day,” Lonnie said.

Recent violent incidents connected to Charlotte’s public transit system are making some

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