St. George, Utah, is preparing to lay to rest Kateryna “Katya” Tovmash, a 21-year-old Ukrainian woman whose life was tragically cut short on Valentine’s Day. Tovmash, along with 28-year-old Matthew Wade, a U.S. Soldier stationed at Fort Bragg, was found dead in Moore County, North Carolina, on February 14, 2026. The case has drawn attention to the ongoing impact of violence and the challenges faced by Ukrainian refugees seeking safety in the United States. The circumstances surrounding the deaths have sparked an outpouring of grief and a fundraising effort to bring Tovmash home for burial.
The Moore County Sheriff’s Office responded to a call at approximately 7:45 a.m. On February 14th, discovering Tovmash and Wade deceased at a residence in Vass, North Carolina. Authorities quickly identified Caleb Fosnaugh, 25, as a suspect, alleging he had a previous relationship with Tovmash. Fosnaugh was apprehended in Ohio on Saturday, February 15th, and remains in custody there as of February 16th, facing expected charges including breaking and entering and two counts of murder, according to investigators. The tragedy unfolded while Tovmash was babysitting her younger siblings, a detail that has deepened the sense of loss and outrage.
A Life Interrupted: From Ukraine to North Carolina
Tovmash’s story is one of resilience and hope, abruptly overshadowed by violence. She fled the war in Ukraine several years ago, seeking refuge in the United States. Her parents and five younger siblings eventually followed, hoping to build a new life free from the conflict. The family’s journey was aided by the generosity of returned missionaries and members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, who sponsored their relocation and provided ongoing support, according to those familiar with their situation. Tovmash, known to friends as Kate, embraced her new life, enjoying activities like playing the piano, traveling, and photography.
Kirill Pryshchepchuk, a childhood friend of Tovmash, shared his heartbreak with WRAL News, describing her as “happy” during their last conversation in Philadelphia. “She told me everything,” Pryshchepchuk said. “She updated me on her life, and she was happy. That’s what I knew. I knew that she was happy.” He expressed disbelief and sorrow over the senselessness of her death, stating, “That’s not supposed to happen. That’s not normal in this world.” WRAL News reported on Pryshchepchuk’s emotional remembrance of his friend.
Community Rallies to Support the Family
In the wake of the tragedy, a GoFundMe campaign was launched by Owen Arave, who served a mission for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Ukraine from 2015 to 2017. Arave, who knew Tovmash and her family during his time in Ukraine, is coordinating efforts to cover the costs of transporting her body back to Utah for burial and to provide support to her grieving family. He described the family as “very great people” who are deeply loved and supported by their community.
The family’s circumstances are complex, as Tovmash’s parents are divorced. Her father and some siblings reside in St. George, Utah, while her mother and other siblings remain in North Carolina. Funeral services are planned in both locations to allow loved ones to pay their respects. The GoFundMe campaign aims to alleviate the financial burden on the family as they navigate this incredibly difficult time. As of February 19, 2026, the campaign is actively seeking donations to meet its goal.
The Investigation and Legal Proceedings
The Moore County Sheriff’s Office continues to investigate the circumstances surrounding the deaths of Tovmash and Wade. According to Live 5 News, authorities believe the children present at the home unknowingly allowed Fosnaugh entry. Fosnaugh is currently held without bond in Ohio, awaiting extradition to North Carolina to face charges. Details regarding the legal proceedings and potential trial dates have not yet been released.
Matthew Wade’s sisters remember him as a man who loved to make people laugh. “He loved making people laugh, and he was very good at it,” said Wade’s sister, Courtney Miller. The loss of both Tovmash and Wade has deeply impacted their families and communities, leaving behind a void that will be difficult to fill.
The tragic deaths of Kateryna Tovmash and Matthew Wade serve as a stark reminder of the devastating consequences of violence and the importance of supporting those affected by loss. As the family prepares to lay Tovmash to rest in St. George, the community continues to rally around them, offering comfort and assistance during this time of profound grief. The next step in the legal process will be Fosnaugh’s extradition to North Carolina and subsequent arraignment, where further details of the case are expected to be revealed.
If you or someone you realize is experiencing domestic violence, please reach out for support. The National Domestic Violence Hotline is available 24/7 at 1-800-799-SAFE (7233) or visit thehotline.org.
We encourage readers to share their condolences and support for the Tovmash and Wade families in the comments below.
