Victims of horrific Vancouver Filipino festival attack identified, fundraisers launched

Victims of the horrific Lapu Lapu Day festival attack in Vancouver have begun to be identified.

A number of fundraisers have since been launched to help their families.

Among those killed are 47-year-old Richard Le, his wife, 30-year-old Linh Hoang, and their daughter, five-year-old Katie Le.

Le's 16-year-old son, Andy, had opted to "stay home to finish his homework" instead of joining everyone at the event.

Richard was described as a "dedicated father" who "served his community and clients with pride and always went out of his way to help others," while Linh was said to be "known for her kindness and gentle spirit." Katie was just weeks away from graduating kindergarten, and had a reputation for being "vibrant, joyful, and full of life."

"Nothing can truly ease the grief and trauma that Andy is currently facing," the GoFundMe description reads, adding that the funds will be used to "cover funeral expenses for Richard, Linh and Katie and provide Andy with financial support for his future college education."

Nearly $550,000 has already been raised.

Also killed that evening was Jendhel May Sico. Her sister Maydhel said she was her "best friend," adding that, "she always had a smile on her face and everyone that knows her would agree that she brought positivity to everyone she met." Over $88,000 has been raised to help her family pay for her wake and funeral services.

A further $67,000 has been raised for Rizza, a woman who also lost her life at the event. She had recently moved with her husband from Winnipeg to Vancouver to be closer to family after leaving the Philippines.

Her relatives in Canada want to "reunite [her] with her loved ones back home in the Philippines, to lay her to rest with the family who raised her and loved her deeply."

Also identified as one of the deceased is New Westminster teacher Kira Salim. Nearly $50,000 has been raised to help her family.

"It is with profound sadness that we share news that Kira Salim, teacher-counsellor at Fraser River Middle School and New Westminster Secondary School, was among those who lost their lives in the April 26 Lapu Lapu Day tragedy," New Westminster School Board Chair Maya Russell and Superintendent Mark Davidson wrote in a joint statement.

Salim was described as a "valued member of our community whose wisdom and care for our middle and secondary school students had a powerful impact."

"The loss of our friend and colleague has left us all shocked and heartbroken," the letter continued. "We extend our deepest condolences to Kira’s family, friends, and all who were fortunate to know them."

Over $50,000 has been raised for the family of Jen Darbellay, who was killed during the attack. The wife and mother of two was described as an "incredibly thoughtful, warm, caring, smart, stylish, artistic woman."

Ten of the deceased were residents of Greater Vancouver. The eleventh, Maria Victoria Bjarnason, better known as Vicky, lived in the Philippines and had been visiting her 27-year-old son, Helgi.

"Helgi was holding his mother's hand and attempted to pull her away from the car, but unfortunately she was ripped away from him and tragically killed," the Bjarnason's GoFundMe description reads. "Helgi was also hit by the car and sustained injuries including a broken leg, for which he was rushed to hospital for surgery. Helgi's friend was also hit by the car and tragically killed."

Mrs. Bjarnson had been scheduled to fly back home on April 29. Over $75,000 has been raised to help that family.

While eleven people lost their lives, dozens more are still in hospital. Among those "fighting for their lives" in the intensive care unit are Val De La Cruz and his two-year-old son Jeb. According to Val's sister, Mary, they are both "suffering from severe injuries and multiple fractures."

"My brother is the sole provider for his family, and due to the accident, covering their expenses will be a significant challenge," Mary wrote. "These funds will help him and his son, Jeb, support his wife and their five-month-old daughter. I assure you that all funds will be sent directly to Val's wife."

Nearly $180,000 has been raised.

Also among those injured is Saadiq. He was struck while in line at a food truck, and is currently in hospital recovering from a displaced fractured hip, collapsed lung, knee and head gashes, and some internal bleeding. Over $33,000 has been raised to help him.

Christi Watkins and her 11-year-old son, Nox, were also hit and injured. Nearly $120,000 has been raised to assist them in their recovery.

A further $87,000 has been raised for Roland Nulada, a father of three who suffered a broken leg, broken arm, and internal bleeding as a result of the attack, and is "undergoing extensive testing and treatment" in hospital.

GoFundMe has set up a page displaying all the verified fundraisers related to the attack.

You can find it HERE.

The 30-year-old male suspect, Kai-Ji Adam Lo, has since been charged with eight counts of murder, though more charges may be filed as the investigation continues.

Authorities said he had a "significant history" of interactions with police and healthcare professionals related to mental health prior to allegedly carrying out the attack.