Victim Services: Resources are available through the VPD Victim Services Unit: 604-717-2737 and VictimLinkBC: call or text 1-800-563-0808, or email 211-victimlinkbc@uwbc.ca.
More information is coming to light about the victims involved in Saturday's Filipino festival attack in Vancouver.
Friends and families have created GoFundMe campaigns to raise money for funeral services, time off work, and supporting loved ones. More than $1 million has come in, according to GoFundMe.
The 11 people killed range in age from five to 65. Police believe the number of dead could rise in the coming days or weeks.
If you'd like to share a story of someone impacted, please email [email protected].
On Sunday evening, police announced Vancouver resident Kai-Ji Adam Lo had been charged with eight counts of second-degree murder. Lo has appeared in court and remains in custody.
Vancouver police interim Chief Steve Rai said the person in custody has a significant history with police and health-care professionals related to mental health.
“We’ve had a substantive contact with them over mental health issues," he said Sunday.
Family of three from Colombia
Vancouver resident Alejandro Samper says he lost his mother Glitza Maria Caicedo (Bachita), father Daniel Samper and sister Glitza Daniela Samper (Nena) in the attack.
"The loss of all three has left an immense hole in our hearts," said the GoFundMe.
"As we grieve and try to grapple with the mass impact this tragedy has had on our family and the broader community, we are asking our friends, families and communities for financial support, as we are putting not one, but three very important loved ones to rest."
The family had immigrated to Canada in the early 2000s from Colombia in hopes of a better life for Nena and their son.
"Nena was supposed to marry her fiancé, Jordan, next year, who survived the incident," the fundraiser said.
Jen Darbellay
Jen Darbellay is being remembered as "one-of-a-kind."
"She was an incredibly thoughtful, warm, caring, smart, stylish, artistic woman," wrote family friend Michael Daingerfield Hall of Vancouver in a GoFundMe.
Darbellay leaves behind a husband and two children.
"[Jen] gave the best hugs, was always there to listen without judgment, and had the sweetest voice," said the write-up.
The fundraiser noted any money raised would help with child care, counselling, funeral expenses, and airfare for immediate family.
Maria Victoria (Vicky) Bjarnason, Helgi Bjarnason (27)
Vicky Bjarnason had attended the festival with her 27-year-old son Helgi and his friend. She had made the trip from the Philippines to visit her two sons in Vancouver. The family had just celebrated Helgi's birthday the night before tragedy struck.
"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," reads a GoFundMe, noting Helgi's friend was also killed.
Helgi was hit as well. He sustained injuries, including a broken leg, and was rushed to hospital for surgery.
Vicky was scheduled to fly back to the Philippines on April 29.
"This is an unimaginable loss for her sons, who no longer have any parents in their lives."
The GoFundMe said the brothers wish to take their mother back home for a proper memorial service with family.
Jendhel May Sico
The family of Jendhel May Sico is remembering the "beautiful soul" as someone who lived life to the fullest.
"She always had a smile on her face and everyone that knows her would agree that she brought positivity to everyone she met," her sister Maydhel Ann Sico said in a GoFundMe, which is raising funds for her wake and funeral.
"Any amount would be the world to us."
Richard Le (47), Linh Hoang (30) and Katie Le (5)
A husband, wife and young daughter are among the dead after a black Audi SUV rammed through the Lapu Lapu Day festival crowd.
Richard Le, 47, his wife Linh Hoang, 30, and five-year-old daughter Katie Le were killed.
"Katie, one of the youngest victims, was about to graduate from kindergarten. She was vibrant, joyful, and full of life," said Toan Le.
A 16-year-old boy did not attend the festival and decided to stay home to work on homework instead. He is the lone survivor in the family and is getting support from extended family. A fundraiser has been created for funeral costs and to support the teen.
Kira Salim
A teacher-counsellor at Fraser River Middle School and New Westminster Secondary School is being remembered as a valued member of the school community.
"It is with profound sadness that we share the news that Kira Salim... was among those who lost their lives in the April 26 Lapu Lapu Day tragedy," said a statement from New Westminster Schools.
"The loss of our friend and colleague has left us all shocked and heartbroken," the district said. "We extend our deepest condolences to Kira's family, friends, and all who were fortunate to know them."
Rizza
A woman named Rizza was one of thousands of attendees at the Lapu Lapu Day block party.
The woman’s cousin, Shelby Anne Marie Pacumio, said the family is trying to navigate an incredibly painful and heartbreaking time.
“Rizza was one of the lives taken far too soon during the tragic incident,” Pacumio said on a GoFundMe page. "The shock and sorrow are still unimaginable, it feels like a terrible dream we can’t wake up from."
Rizza was living in Vancouver and leaves behind a husband.
"We are mourning the tragic and unexpected loss of my dear cousin, Rizza, a loving wife, devoted sister, and cherished loved one to so many,” said Pacumio.
Family are now trying to reunite her body with loved ones back home in the Philippines so she can be laid to rest with her family.
She is being remembered as the sweetest soul, kindhearted, humble and hard working.
Father Val De La Cruz, baby boy (injured)
A woman says her brother and his baby boy are fighting for their lives after being tragically injured during the festival.
Val De La Cruz and his child are both in the intensive care unit. Both of them are suffering from severe injuries and multiple fractures.
"Their family is heartbroken and overwhelmed,” says Mary Nor De La Cruz. "Val is a devoted and loving father, whose world revolves around his son.”
A fundraiser has been created for the dad and son.
Mother Christi Watkins, 11-year-old son (injured)
Christi Watkins and her 11-year-old son were both struck by the driver.
"I can’t begin to imagine what her and [her son] witnessed and the physical and mental recovery that lays ahead," said Amanda Koop.
Both of them are in the hospital in stable condition.
Christi has two fractured vertebrae, broken ribs, a punctured lung and kidney damage, according to a GoFundMe created for the family.
Roland Nulada (injured)
A health-care worker, husband and father of three has suffered serious injuries.
An online fundraiser said Roland Nulada took his family to the block party to celebrate their Filipino heritage.
"What began as a joyful celebration turned into tragedy when Roland was struck by a vehicle while waiting in line at a food truck," said Pinky Nulada.
Nulada is the main provider for his family.
He suffered a broken leg, broken arm and internal bleeding. Nulada is currently undergoing extensive testing and treatment.
"Because of this accident, Roland is unable to work for a few months, and the financial strain on their family is overwhelming,” said Pinky, noting all donations will go directly to his wife.
Ahmed Saadiq Quraishi (injured)
Ahmed Saadiq Quraishi was lined up at a food truck during the Lapu Lapu festival when he was struck by the SUV.
He is currently at the hospital with a displaced fractured hip, collapsed lung, internal bleeding and gashes.
A GoFundMe created for him said his friend held his body while witnessing the entire incident.
"He is trying his best and putting on a brave smile for everyone," wrote Ashley Kim.
Funds raised will go towards his care, including physiotherapy and any other bills.
Book of condolences
The public is invited to send their condolences via an online form.
For those of wish to do so in person, they may sign a book of condolence at the Parliament Buildings in Victoria, located in the Hall of Honour. The book will be accessible daily from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., from now through Friday, May 2.
The online book will be open until 5 p.m. on May 5.
With a file from Canadian Press
