DaBaby Pays Tribute To Charlotte Light Rail Stabbing Victim In Chilling “Save Me” Music Video

In a powerful and emotionally charged tribute, Charlotte rapper DaBaby honors the life of Iryna Zarutska, a 23-year-old Ukrainian refugee who was tragically stabbed to death in his hometown, in the music video for his song “Save Me.”

Directed by DaBaby himself, the tribute video offers both remembrance and reimagining. Set on a train nearly identical to the one where Zarutska lost her life, DaBaby portrays a silent observer in a black hoodie, seated beside an actor representing Decarlos Brown, the accused attacker.

The tension builds as the scene mirrors the chilling real-life tragedy—until DaBaby intervenes. “I’m gonna put my faith in God,” DaBaby says at the climactic moment, stopping the knife before it penetrates Zarutska’s flesh.

In this artistic retelling, the rapper prevents the murder, offering an alternate ending to the nightmare Zarutska never escaped. In this version, the woman playing Zarutska never realizes the danger that nearly befell her. Instead, she gently places a hand on her own neck—a gesture of intuition or relief—before safely making it home.

On August 22, aboard a Charlotte Light Rail train, Zarutska, a pizza shop worker who had fled the war in Ukraine for safety and a new beginning in the U.S., was allegedly killed by Decarlos Brown, a man now in custody and facing charges for her brutal murder.

DaBaby’s reenactment doesn’t aim to exploit tragedy, but rather to reclaim some measure of peace and dignity for Zarutska. Through his lens, we see what could have been: a young woman returning home instead of becoming a headline.

This tribute not only highlights the senseless violence that ended Zarutska’s life, but also serves as a solemn reminder of the safety and compassion we all deserve. By stepping into the scene himself, DaBaby offers not just commentary—but a prayer, a protest, and a promise never to forget

Watch DaBaby’s “Save Me” music video below.