New Westminster school counsellor among victims of Lapu Lapu Day tragedy
A teacher-counsellor with the New Westminster School District has been confirmed as one of the victims of the Lapu Lapu Day tragedy on Saturday.
The district announced that Kira Salim, a staff member at Fraser River Middle School, lost their life during the incident.
“Kira was a valued member of our community whose wisdom and care for our middle and secondary school students had a powerful impact. Their work, and the great spirit they brought to it, changed lives,” wrote Maya Russell, chair of New Westminster’s board of education, and Mark Davidson, superintendent of schools, in a joint statement.
“The loss of our friend and colleague has left us all shocked and heartbroken. We extend our deepest condolences to Kira’s family, friends, and all who were fortunate to know them.”
The tragedy unfolded at approximately 8:15 p.m. Saturday, when an SUV was driven into a crowd gathered for the Lapu Lapu Day festival near Fraser Street and East 43rd Avenue. The victims ranged in age from five to 65 years old.
The street festival was held to celebrate Vancouver’s Filipino community and culture, commemorating a fearless Indigenous Visayan Chieftain from Mactan, Philippines.
According to the latest update from Vancouver Police, 11 people were killed and several more were left injured.
On Sunday, VPD announced the suspect, Kai-Ji Adam Lo, was charged with eight counts of second-degree murder.
Lo, 30 years old, has appeared in court and will remain in custody. He was arrested at the scene after witnesses and bystanders intervened to detain him until police officers arrived.
VPD said Lo previously had “significant interactions with police and healthcare professionals related to mental health.”
The VPD states that they have established a 24-hour assistance centre at Douglas Park Community Centre, located at 801 West 22nd Ave., where VPD officers and victim services professionals have been deployed to help anyone who has been unable to contact a loved one who was at the festival. Anyone who is not able to attend in person is asked to call 604-717-3321.
Daily Hive has also compiled a list of resources and ways to support the Filipino community during this difficult time.