Vancouver, B.C.
By Charmaine Y. Rodriguez
British Columbia declares Friday, May 2 as official day of remembrance and mourning for the victims
A suspect has been charged with murder in the death of multiple festival-goers at the Lapu-Lapu Day Block Party Saturday night.
Eleven people, aged 5 to 65, were killed, and more than two dozen others injured when a man drove an SUV into a crowd of people celebrating the Lapu Lapu Day festival, near Fraser Street on East 43rd Avenue.
The BC Prosecution Service has now charged Kai-Ji Adam Lo, 30, with eight counts of second degree murder, the Vancouver Police Department (VPD) said in a news release last April 27.
Lo, a Vancouver resident, has appeared in court and remains in custody. The charge assessment is ongoing and further charges are anticipated.
This, as donations pour in for the families of the deceased and the injured victims.
Today, the Province of British Columbia declared Friday, May 2, 2025, an official day of remembrance and mourning for the victims of the tragedy at the Lapu Lapu Day Festival in Vancouver on April 26.
“This tragedy has had profound impact on the Filipino community in B.C. and many others in Vancouver and throughout the province. The day of remembrance and mourning is an opportunity for people in British Columbia to come together, grieve the loss of innocent lives and recognize the contributions the victims made to their communities and the province,” the Government of British Columbia said in a statement.
“It is also a time to offer comfort to all of those impacted, including those who have lost loved ones, those recovering and those who witnessed the horrific scene, and to offer deep appreciation to community partners, the police, paramedics and those working at the hospitals for their dedicated service at a trying time. Hundreds of volunteers and community members are also stepping up to help at a trying time,” it added.
Some of the victims in Saturday’s mass-casualty incident remain unidentified, the VPD said.
A 24-hour assistance centre has been established at the Douglas Park Community Centre, 801 West 22nd Avenue, for anyone who has not been able to contact a friend or family member.
Anyone who cannot attend in person can call 604-717-3321 to speak with a victim-liaison officer.
VPD also called for witnesses to come forward and contact VPD’s Homicide Unit at 604-717-2500 and speak with investigators.
“Anyone with images or bystander video of the incident is asked to visit vpd.ca and upload it to an online portal so it can be reviewed by investigators,” VPD urged.
Meanwhile, GoFundMe pages have been set up for the families of the fatalities and the injured victims.
One is by Nor De La Cruz, whose brother, Val, and nephew, Jeb, who is barely two years old, are still in the Intensive Care Unit for severe injuries and multiple fractures.
Val is the sole provider and the funds will go to his wife. The couple also has a daughter. For those who wish to donate, go to this link:
https://gofund.me/5553774e
