Lirtsman Family Support Fund
Donation protected
On Dec. 22nd, Yana Lirtsman and her family suffered a terrible tragedy: In the early morning, while the family slept, a truck plowed into their home, killing Yana's father, Igor Lirtsman. He was visiting from New York for the holidays. The 19-year-old male driver, who is being charged with driving while under the influence, was unharmed. He had allegedly come from a nearby party, where he reportedly had been drinking, and drove through the end of a cul-de-sac and thick brush in the park behind the family's home before crashing through their back fence, down an embankment, and into their home.
Fortunately, Yana, her husband, Amr, and their two beautiful girls were not physically injured, but one can only imagine the emotional pain and trauma their family is going through after experiencing such a horrific tragedy. All but their youngest child witnessed the scene, and all are deeply scarred by the reality that, even while sleeping in their home, the unthinkable can happen. They no longer feel safe in this, their first house, which they purchased, renovated, and moved into just months ago. Now the home, which once held such hope and promise, is a reminder of the tragic loss of their father and grandfather, and a trigger for their worst fears. They have struggled with haunting images and difficulty sleeping, on top of the grief such a sudden and senseless loss brings.
The family would like to move as quickly as possible so they can start to heal and rebuild their lives. Donations will go toward helping them cover expenses such as therapy co-payments, missed work, relocation costs, and temporary housing fees until they can have their house repaired and sold (they are looking into what their homeowner's insurance will cover as far as temporary housing, but that process is slow and there are sure to be expenses not covered by insurance. Plus, they will continue to need housing after repairs are made while they attempt to sell this house). They deserve to live in a home free from such terrible memories while they grieve their loved one and begin the long journey toward healing from this traumatic experience.
*** Whether you can make a donation or not, we can all do our part by staying safe behind the wheel. This senseless loss could have been prevented. Please, don't drink and drive, and don't let friends and family drink and drive. If you plan to drink, make sure you have a designated driver, use Uber/Lyft, or call a cab. If you plan to stay sober, offer to be a designated driver. And always take away the keys of anyone unfit to drive...You just may be saving their or someone else's life. ***
Thank you for any and all support. Be safe and please share widely.
Family describes scene to ABC 7 News
Ventura County Star Article 12/22/26


Fortunately, Yana, her husband, Amr, and their two beautiful girls were not physically injured, but one can only imagine the emotional pain and trauma their family is going through after experiencing such a horrific tragedy. All but their youngest child witnessed the scene, and all are deeply scarred by the reality that, even while sleeping in their home, the unthinkable can happen. They no longer feel safe in this, their first house, which they purchased, renovated, and moved into just months ago. Now the home, which once held such hope and promise, is a reminder of the tragic loss of their father and grandfather, and a trigger for their worst fears. They have struggled with haunting images and difficulty sleeping, on top of the grief such a sudden and senseless loss brings.
The family would like to move as quickly as possible so they can start to heal and rebuild their lives. Donations will go toward helping them cover expenses such as therapy co-payments, missed work, relocation costs, and temporary housing fees until they can have their house repaired and sold (they are looking into what their homeowner's insurance will cover as far as temporary housing, but that process is slow and there are sure to be expenses not covered by insurance. Plus, they will continue to need housing after repairs are made while they attempt to sell this house). They deserve to live in a home free from such terrible memories while they grieve their loved one and begin the long journey toward healing from this traumatic experience.
*** Whether you can make a donation or not, we can all do our part by staying safe behind the wheel. This senseless loss could have been prevented. Please, don't drink and drive, and don't let friends and family drink and drive. If you plan to drink, make sure you have a designated driver, use Uber/Lyft, or call a cab. If you plan to stay sober, offer to be a designated driver. And always take away the keys of anyone unfit to drive...You just may be saving their or someone else's life. ***
Thank you for any and all support. Be safe and please share widely.
Family describes scene to ABC 7 News
Ventura County Star Article 12/22/26
Organizer and beneficiary
Leah Dickenson
Organizer
Thousand Oaks, CA
Yana Lirtsman
Beneficiary