In a heart-wrenching vigil held on Monday night, Noel Johansen paid tribute to his wife, Jen Darbellay, who tragically lost her life during the Lapu Lapu Day festival in Vancouver. The festival, celebrating Filipino heritage, turned into a nightmare on Saturday night when an SUV drove into a crowd, killing eleven people and injuring many others.
Johansen, visibly shaken, spoke to a gathering near East 41st Avenue and Fraser Street, the site of the devastating incident. "What you see here is an injury that means nothing to me because what’s inside my heart is broken," he expressed, fighting back tears. "Because my wife passed away behind me at the incident." Darbellay, who was 39, leaves behind two children aged 15 and seven.
At the vigil, Johansen remembered his wife as someone who never celebrated herself, saying, "She never thought of herself; she thought of herself as small in terms of the reach. And I can tell you she was larger than life for any of you who know her." He urged the crowd to embrace life fully and reach out to others, asking them to remember the victims of the tragedy.
As the community grapples with the aftermath of the attack, a GoFundMe campaign has been established for Darbellay’s family, reflecting the widespread support from the public. The festival was intended to be a joyful celebration, but it turned tragic when an SUV, driven by Kai-ji Adam Lo, plowed into festival-goers, ranging in age from five to 65.
Vancouver police have confirmed that eleven people were killed and several others remain in critical condition. As of Tuesday afternoon, seven individuals are reported to be in critical condition, while three others are in serious condition. Police Sgt. Steve Addison confirmed that five of the critically injured are men and two are women, with ages spanning from 29 to 66. The serious cases include men aged from as young as 22 months to 60 years old.
Lo, the 30-year-old driver, has been charged with eight counts of second-degree murder. Authorities revealed that he was under the care of a mental health team and was on leave from the hospital at the time of the incident. Vancouver Coastal Health stated that Lo was compliant with his treatment plan, raising questions about the effectiveness of mental health care and public safety.
Premier David Eby announced the formation of an independent commission to explore best practices for safely holding public events, aiming to have results by June. He emphasized that the priority is ensuring justice for the victims and their families, particularly the Filipino community, who have been deeply affected by this tragedy.
Public safety critic Elenore Sturko highlighted the need for a broader inquiry into mental health interventions, citing other incidents where mental illness played a role in violent acts. She urged the government to focus on systemic issues within the mental health care system, rather than solely on this specific case.
As the investigation unfolds, police have identified over 200 witnesses and are actively gathering evidence, including video footage from the scene. They have received 51 uploads to their evidence portal, which is crucial for piecing together the events of that fateful night.
Meanwhile, the community has rallied around the victims' families, with over $1 million raised through various GoFundMe campaigns to assist with funeral costs and support for those impacted. The emotional toll of the tragedy is palpable, with many families mourning multiple losses.
Among the victims were a Colombian family—Alejandro Samper lost his mother, father, and sister in the attack. The family had moved to Canada in search of a better life, and their dreams were shattered in an instant. Another victim, Maria Victoria Bjarnason, had traveled from the Philippines to visit her sons in Vancouver, and her son Helgi attempted to save her during the chaos.
In addition to the fatalities, many individuals sustained serious injuries. Val De La Cruz and his baby boy are both in intensive care, while Christi Watkins and her 11-year-old son are recovering in stable condition after being struck by the vehicle. The community is left to navigate the aftermath of this tragedy, with resources available for emotional support and counseling.
As investigations continue, the focus remains on understanding how such a horrific event could occur and what measures can be implemented to prevent future tragedies. The community's resilience and support for one another will be vital as they heal from this devastating incident.
The Lapu Lapu Day festival was meant to be a celebration of Filipino culture, but it has now become a somber reminder of the fragility of life and the importance of community solidarity in the face of tragedy.
