Remembering the victims of the Vancouver festival attack | Daily Hive

Remembering the victims of the Lapu Lapu Day attack in Vancouver

GoFundMe

It’s been a devastating week in Vancouver, after a driver plowed through a crowd at a Vancouver street festival celebrating the Filipino community and culture on Saturday, April 26.

Vancouver Police have confirmed 11 people were killed. Many more are injured.

While police have not publicly released information about the victims, GoFundMe has set up a centralized hub with verified fundraisers to help the people and families impacted by the tragedy.

These fundraisers have also identified the victims of the attack, as well as those who have been left with life-changing injuries.

VPD said it is aware of the GoFundMe pages for the victims. “The VPD will be identifying the victims in the coming days,” added Cst. Tania Visintin in a statement to Daily Hive.

Here’s what we know about the victims so far.

Maria Victoria (Vicky) Bjarnason

Helgi Bjarnason (l) was injured in the attack. His mother, Vicky (r), was killed. (GoFundMe)

Maria Victoria (Vicky) Bjarnason was visiting Vancouver from the Philippines and attended the Lapu Lapu Festival with her son Helgi and his friend.

“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,” states a GoFundMe page.

It adds that Helgi was also hit by the SUV and suffered a broken leg. Sadly, his friend was also killed in the attack, according to the GoFundMe.

“Vicky was visiting her sons in Vancouver from the Philippines. She loved her sons more than the world. They had just celebrated Helgi’s birthday the night before the tragic incident. Vicky was scheduled to fly back to the Philippines just days later on April 29,” it adds.

“This is an unimaginable loss for her sons, who no longer have any parents in their lives. Helgi and his brother, Thor Bjarnason (28 years old), are grieving this immense loss. They wish to take their mother back home to the Philippines for a proper memorial service where she can lay to rest surrounded by her family.”

Kira Salim

Kira Salim (GoFundMe)

The teacher-counsellor at Fraser River Middle School in New Westminster is being remembered for having a “powerful impact” on the middle and secondary students they worked with.

“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.

Kira leaves behind their partner, their dog, and five cats.

Richard Le (47), Linh Hoang (30), and Katie Le (5)

GoFundMe

A verified GoFundMe has been set up for a 16-year-old boy whose father, stepmom, and little sisters were killed in the attack. According to the fundraising page, Richard Le, Linh Hoang, and Katie Le were “killed either instantly or succumbed to their injuries at the hospital.”

Richard and Linh leave behind their teen son Andy, who decided to stay home from attending the festival at the last minute because he had to finish his homework.

On Thursday, Andy shared kind words in a video, thanking the public for their support.

He went on to acknowledge the many other victims of the Vancouver attack and announced he will donate $266,000 from his GoFundMe to the others who have been affected.

The fundraising page for Andy has raised over $542,646 and is now closed for further donations.

Jen Darbellay

GoFundMe

Jen Darbellay was attending the festival with her husband, Noel Johansen, who is an actor known for his roles in various Hallmark films.

According to a GoFundMe set up by Noel’s friend, Michael Daingerfield, Jen was struck and killed by the SUV. She leaves behind her two children, aged 15 and seven.

“Jen was a one-of-a-kind. She was an incredibly thoughtful, warm, caring, smart, stylish, artistic woman. A gifted painter, a selfless mother, and a loving wife,” reads the GoFundMe. She gave the best hugs, was always there to listen without judgment, and had the sweetest voice.”

Rizza

GoFundMe

Rizza’s family created a GoFundMe to help reunite her with her family in the Philippines, so they can lay her to rest.

“To know Rizza was to truly love her. She was the sweetest soul, a kind-hearted, humble, and hardworking person,” stated her cousin, Shelby Anne Marie Pacumio, on the fundraising page.

“She moved from the Philippines to Winnipeg with her husband in search of a better life. When she found herself without close family there, we encouraged her to come to Vancouver so she could be closer to us, to be surrounded by love and support.”

Jendhel May Sico

GoFundMe

Jendhel is being remembered as “kind-hearted with a beautiful soul.”

A GoFundMe set up by her sister, Maydhel Ann Sico, added that Jendhel “lived life to the fullest” and “always had a smile on her face.”

“Our family is asking for your kindness and help at this time of grievance so we may honour Jendhel [with] the proper celebration of life she deserves,” reads the fundraising page.

“All proceeds will go towards her wake and funeral services. Any amount will mean the world to us.”

Samper Caicedo family

GoFundMe

A post in the Latincouver Facebook group shares that three members of the same family — Glitza Maria Caicedo (lovingly known as Bachita), Daniel Samper, and their daughter Glitza Daniela Samper [Nena] — were among those killed in the attack.

“As a family of Colombian immigrants, the Samper-Caicedo family loved to spend time together at cultural events around the city that celebrated the diversity of Vancouver,” reads the GoFundMe page.

Sadly, the family leaves behind their son and brother, Alejo. Nena was supposed to marry her fiancé, Jordan, who survived the incident.

“The loss of all three has left an immense hole in our hearts. 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.”

Many remain injured, in hospital

Vancouver Police noted that there are currently 13 surviving victims being treated hospital. Four are in critical condition, and two were in serious condition, as of Thursday, May 1.

GoFundMe has also included verified fundraisers for several of those who are suffering from various injuries after the attack.

Ahmed Saadiq Quraishi was in line for a food truck at the festival when he was hit by the suspect.

“Suffering from a displaced fractured hip, collapsed lung, huge knee and head gash, brain damage, and some internal bleeding, he is trying his best and putting on a brave smile for everyone,” states the fundraising page.

Mary Nor De La Cruz is raising funds for her brother, Val, and his son, two-year-old Jeb.

“On April 26, during the Lapu Lapu Festival in Vancouver, Val De La Cruz and his baby boy, Jeb — who’s almost 2 years old — were tragically injured. Both are now fighting for their lives in the ICU, suffering from severe injuries and multiple fractures,” she stated.

“Val is a devoted and loving father, whose world revolves around his son. His bond with Jeb is unbreakable — he cherishes every moment spent with his little boy. Jeb is a sweet, easygoing, and remarkably intelligent baby, always eager to explore and learn new things. His bright curiosity and gentle nature light up the lives of everyone around him.”

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Christi Watkins and her 11-year-old son, Nox, were also badly injured during the attack. She has two fractured vertebrae, broken ribs, a punctured lung and kidney damage, according to a GoFundMe page.

Kuya Adrian (AJ) Sico is currently on dialysis and is fighting through “devastating injuries,” including two broken legs, a shattered thigh, a lacerated liver, internal bleeding near his aorta artery, brain swelling, and trauma to his left eye.

The Metro Vancouver barber is described as a big brother and friend to many, as well as a provider to those close to him.

“Right now, we don’t know when or if AJ will be able to return to work,” reads a fundraising page.

“With anticipated bills, car payments, and everyday expenses, his family needs the help more than ever.”

Another victim is Roland Nulada, a healthcare worker who is the father of three kids and a “major provider” for his family.

Nulada currently has a broken leg and internal bleeding.

“Because of this accident, Roland is unable to work for a few months, and the financial strain on their family is overwhelming,” states the GoFundMe. “This fundraiser is to help cover medical costs, household bills, and everyday living expenses while he recovers. All donations will go directly to his wife Carlyn, who is now carrying the emotional and financial weight of this crisis.”

Josh Candy was an assistant director and choreographed performances at the festival, according to his fundraising page description. Members of Thrive Dance Studio in Langley, where he teaches, set up the GoFundMe.

“Funds raised will help cover medical expenses, rehabilitation costs, and ease the financial burden while he focuses on healing,” they stated.

Jose Mari Solis remains in critical condition at the hospital. The father of three sustained multiple injuries, including bleeding and severe brain swelling, a cranial fracture, and a broken ankle.

“Jose is the last surviving parent of his four children. A quiet and private man, yet caring and compassionate. His children have not yet been able to speak with him, and watching their father fight for his life, sedated and unable to communicate, has been devastating,” reads his GoFundMe page.

The fundraising platform stated that so far, over $2 million in donations have been collected to support those affected by the festival tragedy in Vancouver.

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