Family of Three, School Counsellor Among Victims in Vancouver Festival Tragedy

Three members of the same family and a school counsellor have been identified as among the 11 people killed when an SUV rammed into a crowd at the Lapu-Lapu Day festival in Vancouver on Saturday.

The tragedy has shaken the community, with officials setting up an online condolence book in honour of the victims. Vancouver police say most of those killed were women, with victims ranging in age from just five years old to 65. As of Monday afternoon, 16 patients remain in hospital, seven with critical injuries.

The Le Family

Richard Le, 47, his wife Linh Hoang, 30, and their daughter Katie Le, 5, were among the dead, according to Richard’s brother, Toan Le.

Toan said Richard was confirmed dead at the scene, while Linh and Katie succumbed to their injuries shortly afterward in hospital.

Richard’s 16-year-old son, Andy — who stayed home the day of the festival — now faces a life without his father, stepmother, and young sister.

"His entire life just changed overnight," said Toan. "We’re trying to be strong for Andy."

Andy had dreams of becoming a professional badminton player, a goal his father had been supporting.

Katie, who had just finished pre-school, was remembered as “the life of the party.”
"She was always so cheerful, always wanting to play with her cousins," said Toan. "We're going to miss her so much."

An online fundraiser for Andy’s future has already raised more than $230,000.

Kira Salim

The New Westminster School Board confirmed that counsellor Kira Salim also died in the attack.

"Kira was a valued member of our community whose wisdom and care changed lives," read a statement.

Salim worked at Fraser River Middle School and New Westminster Secondary and was known for their dedication to mental health support and LGBTQ2S+ advocacy.

New West Pride described Salim as “a wonderful, exuberant contributor” and a passionate volunteer, activist, and educator.

Others Injured

Among those injured were Christi-Ann Watkins, a 43-year-old DJ and festival organizer, and her 11-year-old son Lennox, a young breakdancer who had competed at provincial levels.

Christi and Lennox were lining up at a food truck when they were struck. Christi’s husband, Matt Watkins, had just left with their other child.

"It could have been all four of us," Matt said. "It’s very weird to feel guilty and so angry and so sad."

While Christi and Lennox avoided life-threatening injuries, they face a long road to recovery. Matt urged the public to support the families affected by the tragedy however they can.

A Community in Mourning

The province says it will release more information about the victims with a trauma-informed approach in the coming days.

The Lapu-Lapu Day festival, intended as a celebration of Filipino resilience and history, has now become a symbol of profound loss and grief.

Authorities continue to investigate, while tributes and memorials grow at the site of the attack.