A devastating ramming attack at Vancouver’s Lapu Lapu Day festival has claimed the lives of a young family, leaving behind a 16-year-old son now facing unimaginable loss.
Richard Le, his wife Linh Hoang, and their five-year-old daughter Katie were among the 11 victims killed Saturday night when a black SUV tore through a street lined with food trucks and festivalgoers. Just moments before the tragedy, Richard had texted his son Andy to say they would be heading home soon. Instead, he and his family were struck down in what police have called one of the most shocking acts of violence the city has witnessed in recent memory.
Thirty-year-old Adam Kai-Ji Lo has been charged with eight counts of second-degree murder, with more charges expected as all victims are identified. Lo is the brother of Alexander Lo, who was killed in an unrelated case last year. Police said the accused had previous mental health interactions, but the incident the day before the attack did not meet the threshold for criminal charges or psychiatric intervention.
Among the 32 individuals hospitalized, seven remain in critical condition and three are seriously injured. Vancouver Police confirmed that nine of the 11 people who died were women.
Toan Le, Richard’s brother, confirmed the family’s deaths and said Andy only survived because he chose to stay home that evening to finish homework. The news shattered the family, who initially learned of Richard’s death on Saturday and were later told that Linh and Katie had also succumbed to their injuries. Katie had just completed kindergarten and was described by her uncle as “super energetic” and deeply affectionate. “She really loved just being around people,” he said.
Linh, 30, was remembered as a devoted mother and stepmother. “She was a really good person,” Toan said. Richard, 47, was a real estate agent with Royal Pacific Realty and an active member of the community, known for coaching badminton and tennis. His colleagues have expressed profound grief, describing him as admired and deeply missed.
“If I was to tell my brother and to everyone else something,” Toan said, “it’s to cherish your loved ones and your friends and family, because you never know when they might not be around. You won’t get a second chance.”
Andy, now left without his immediate family, is in a state of shock. Toan has set up a verified fundraiser to support his nephew, emphasizing that any help will go toward rebuilding the boy’s future.
The incident has sparked widespread mourning. A separate victim, Kira Salim—a teacher-counsellor in the New Westminster School District—was also confirmed among the dead. The district described Salim as someone whose wisdom and compassion profoundly impacted students and colleagues.
Meanwhile, the Philippine Consulate General in Vancouver issued a warning about fraudulent fundraisers that have used its name and logo to solicit money online. Officials urged the public to verify the authenticity of campaigns before donating.
The B.C. Legislature began its Monday session with a prayer and moment of silence in remembrance of those lost in the attack, in conjunction with Canada’s National Day of Mourning for injured and killed workers.
Vancouver Police reiterated that this incident is not being treated as terrorism. While a motive remains unclear, the city’s officers have acknowledged the challenges in preventing such violent, unpredictable acts, even in a place that has safely hosted global events like the Olympics, massive concerts, and fireworks festivals. “It’s hard to predict unpredictable behaviour,” said Sgt. Steven Addison.
The accused remains in custody and is scheduled to appear in court on May 26.