My name is Viktoriia, and Yaroslav was the person I came to America with. He was much more than someone I loved—he was my family, my best friend, and the person who always stood by my side.

We are both from Ukraine, we came to the United States hoping to build a safe future and a new life. Yaroslav truly loved America. He admired this country, worked hard, dreamed big, and believed that one day all of our efforts would pay off.

Yaroslav had an incredibly kind heart. He was the type of person who would always help others without expecting anything in return. He cared deeply about people, always found time to support those around him, and never walked away when someone needed help. Everyone who knew him remembers his generosity, kindness, sense of humor, and the warmth he brought into every room. He was truly an unforgettable person.

On July 5, our lives changed forever. According to information released by authorities, another driver ran a red light and crashed into Yaroslav’s vehicle at an intersection in Los Angeles. The collision involved four vehicles, and Yaroslav was pronounced dead at the scene. He was only 41 years old. The investigation is still ongoing.

The hardest part is knowing that his family is still in Ukraine. Because of the war, the distance, and the difficult circumstances, they cannot simply come to the United States to see him one last time or say goodbye in person. His father has entrusted me with the responsibility of arranging everything here and giving Yaroslav the dignified farewell he deserves.

We are raising funds to help cover funeral expenses and all the unexpected costs that have come with this heartbreaking tragedy. Every donation, no matter how small, will help honor Yaroslav’s memory and ease this overwhelming burden.

If you are unable to donate, please keep Yaroslav in your prayers and share this fundraiser. Thank you from the bottom of my heart for your kindness, compassion, and support during the most difficult time of my life.

I am organizing Yaroslav’s funeral with the authorization of his family. All donations will be used to cover Yaroslav’s funeral and memorial expenses, including transportation to the funeral home, embalming, viewing, church service, cremation, death certificates, and other related funeral costs. If any funds remain after all funeral expenses are paid, they will be transferred to Yaroslav’s family in Ukraine to help with expenses related to his passing