A young couple from Washington state, Ilya and Sophia Tsaruk, tragically died while snorkeling on vacation in Hawaii. Sophia was pregnant with their second child at the time. The couple had an 18-month-old son who was not with them during the incident. First responders found Sophia unresponsive in the water while Ilya was found on the ocean floor. Both were pronounced dead at the scene. The couple was on vacation with family members for a babymoon and were wearing full face snorkel masks when the incident occurred. The surviving toddler is being cared for by family. The Tsaruks will be remembered in a celebration of life and burial service in Washington. Family members believe that Sophia did not suffocate in her mask but may have panicked, leading to the tragedy. They were excitedly preparing for the arrival of their daughter, who they planned to name Melody. The Maui County Fire Department did not comment on ongoing investigations into the incident, and the local police department did not respond to requests for comment. Friends and family are mourning the loss of this young couple and their unborn child, remembering them as excited for the future and the joys it would bring.
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