Tragic Loss at Vancouver Festival: Family of Three Killed, Son Survives

A tragic incident at the Lapu-Lapu Day Festival in Vancouver has claimed 11 lives, devastating families and shaking the local community. Among the victims were a family of three killed, a father, mother, and their five-year-old daughter, as well as a beloved school counsellor. This heartbreaking loss has left a teenage boy without his immediate family, and a school district mourning one of its most respected members.

Family of Three Among the Victims

Richard Le, 47, his wife Linh Hoang, 30, and their daughter Katie Le, 5, were among those killed when a vehicle rammed into the crowd at the Filipino street festival. Richard’s brother, Toan Le, confirmed the devastating news and shared that Richard’s teenage son, Andy, survived because he had stayed home that day.

Toan explained that Linh was Andy’s stepmother but loved him as her own. Richard, who had been coaching Andy in badminton, had supported his son’s dream of becoming a professional player.

Katie, the youngest confirmed victim, had just completed preschool. According to her family, she brought endless joy, always brightening gatherings with her cheerful personality.

Tip: A GoFundMe page for Andy has already raised over $230,000, showing strong community support in this time of grief.

A School Community Mourns the Loss of Kira Salim

Another victim, Kira Salim, served as a counsellor at Fraser River Middle School and New Westminster Secondary School. In a heartfelt statement, the New Westminster School Board praised Kira for their lasting impact on students’ lives.

Kira was remembered as a caring and wise advocate for mental health and education. Colleagues described them as a vibrant force within the New Westminster community, contributing not just at school but through volunteerism and activism with New West Pride.

Tip: The province has created an online condolence book where people can leave messages in honor of the victims.

Community Rallies in Wake of Tragedy

As of Monday afternoon, authorities reported that 16 patients remained in the hospital, with seven in critical condition. Vancouver police are working carefully to release victims’ names using a trauma-informed approach.

This devastating attack has sparked a wave of grief across British Columbia. It has also strengthened calls for better support for victims and more robust community safety measures.

More…

• https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/british-columbia/victims-lapu-lapu-day-vancouver-filipino-1.7520496
• https://www.overheretoronto.com/vancouver-festival-tragedy-several-killed-as-suv-plows-into-crowd
• https://www.overheretoronto.com/who-is-kai-ji-adam-lo-vancouver-suspect-behind-lapu-lapu-festival-tragedy