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Lapu Lapu Festival Tragedy: Community Mourns Victims
A heartbreaking incident unfolded during the Lapu Lapu festival in Vancouver on April 26, leading to the tragic loss of several members of the community.
Identified victims include a teacher, a badminton and tennis coach, and a kindergarten student, among others. The festival, meant to celebrate Filipino culture, was marred by tragedy when an SUV drove into a crowd, resulting in a shocking loss of life.
In the aftermath, family and friends are coming forward to honor those who have been lost. To assist with support for the victims’ families, verified fundraising campaigns have been established on GoFundMe; however, caution is advised as unverified campaigns are also circulating. The Philippine Consulate General has issued a statement confirming that it has not authorized any fundraising efforts for the victims of this incident.
The tragedy claimed the lives of eleven individuals, with victims ranging from ages five to 65. Police reports indicate that the majority of the deceased are female, while as of Monday afternoon, seven others remain in critical condition and three in serious condition.
Among the victims was Rizza, a woman who moved to Canada from the Philippines with her husband. A GoFundMe campaign established in her honor described her as a kind-hearted and hardworking person, emphasizing the profound loss felt by her family. They are striving to bring her home for a final farewell with her loved ones.
Community Response and Memorials
Kira Salim, a teacher-counselor, was also identified among the victims. The superintendent of the New Westminster school district expressed deep sorrow over her loss, stating that Kira had a significant impact on the lives of many students and was deeply valued in the community.
In a particularly heart-wrenching aspect of the tragedy, three members of the Le family—Richard Le, 47, Linh Hoang, 30, and their five-year-old daughter, Katie—were killed. The only survivor, Andy Le, chose to stay home for homework, a decision that spared him from the festival’s horrors. A GoFundMe for the family highlights the grim toll on their loved ones and urges others to cherish their family daily.
Furthermore, Val De La Cruz and his young son Jeb suffered severe injuries during the incident. Their GoFundMe campaign details Val’s deep love for Jeb and the close bond they share. Val’s family, including his five-month-old daughter, are relying on him as the family’s provider, intensifying the community’s call for support in light of this tragedy.
The devastation caused by the incident serves as a painful reminder of the importance of community and connection. As families mourn, the hope for healing and rebuilding remains strong among those affected. Community support continues to pour in, demonstrating resilience in the face of heartbreak.
Source
globalnews.ca