New details have emerged about the victims of the deadly April 26 SUV crash at Vancouver’s Lapu-Lapu Day festival, which killed 11 people and injured nearly 30 others during a celebration of the Filipino-Canadian community. The victims, aged 5 to 65, include families and individuals from diverse backgrounds. Kai-Ji Adam Lo, 30, faces eight counts of second-degree murder.
Maria Victoria Bjarnason, visiting from the Philippines to see her sons, was remembered as a selfless mother and loving daughter. Her son Helgi was also injured. An online fundraiser to return her remains to the Philippines has raised nearly $110,000.
Jendhel May Sico was described as kind-hearted and full of life. A fundraiser started by her sister raised close to $130,000 to cover funeral expenses.
Rizza Pagkanlungan, remembered as humble and hardworking, was a beloved wife and sister. Her family aims to return her to the Philippines for burial, with over $78,000 raised in support.
Jenifer Darbellay, a Vancouver mother of two, was mourned by her husband, who was also injured. Friends and family described her as selfless and deeply loving.
Glitza Daniela Samper, her mother Glitza Maria Caicedo, and father Daniel Samper all perished in the crash. The family had moved to Canada from Colombia to escape violence and were remembered as generous and close-knit.
Richard Le, 47, his wife Linh Hoang, 30, and their 5-year-old daughter Katie Le were also killed. Richard’s 16-year-old son Andy survived and vowed to donate half of the $540,000 raised for him to other victims’ families.
Kira Salim, a beloved teacher-counsellor in New Westminster originally from Brazil, was remembered as a joyful, passionate educator and community figure. Fundraising for their partner has surpassed $85,000.
Source: Swifteradio.com
