First picture of girl, 5, killed after car ramming at Vancouver music festival
A couple and their five-year-old daughter are among the 11 dead after a car crashed through a festival in Vancouver.
Richard Le, 47, his 30-year-old wife, Linh Hoang, and their daughter, Katie, have been identified as some of the victims of the Lapu Lapu festival attack on Saturday.
Richard, a real estate agent, had invited his 16-year-old son Andy to join him and stepmother Linh at the festival, but he decided to stay at home instead.
Toan Le, Richard’s brother, told CTV News: ‘The last thing that Andy received was a text from his dad at like 8.06pm saying, “Don’t come anymore, because it’s over and we’re going to head home”.’
A few minutes after sending that text, an SUV ploughed through the street festival, killing 11 people and leaving 32 more injured.
Of those injured, seven are in serious condition and three in critical condition. Last week, police warned they expect ‘more could die in the coming days or weeks’.
A GoFundMe fundraising page has been set up to support Andy and cover funeral costs.
Paying tribute to his brother, Linh and Katie, Toan said: ‘Richard Le was a dedicated father, badminton and tennis coach, and real estate professional.
‘He devoted his life to teaching young people the values of sportsmanship and team spirit. He served his community and clients with pride and always went out of his way to help others.
‘Richard’s wife and Andy’s stepmother, Linh, was known for her kindness and gentle spirit. She had been planning a visit to see her family in Vietnam.
‘Katie, one of the youngest victims, was about to graduate from kindergarten. She was vibrant, joyful, and full of life.
‘The family is survived by Andy, who is 16 years old and currently being supported by extended family.’
Kira Salim, a teacher and counselor at Fraser River Middle School and New Westminster Secondary School, has also been named as among the dead.
New Westminster Schools Superintendent Mark Davidson and board chair Maya Russell sent out a letter to parents on Monday saying: ‘The loss of our friend and colleague has left us all shocked and heartbroken.
‘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.’
New West Pride also shared a tribute to Kira, saying: ‘Our community is mourning the loss of Kira Salim, whose life was taken over the weekend at the Lapu Lapu tragedy.
‘They were an epic drag king, a wonderful, exuberant contributor to our local community, volunteer, activist, local educator [and] mental health worker.
‘Kira will be deeply missed.’
Kai-Ji Adam Lo, 30, has been charged with eight counts of second-degree murder. He appeared in court yesterday but has not yet entered a plea.
Police said Lo had a ‘significant history’ of interactions with mental health authorities, and added there was no evidence of terrorism.
Interim police chief Steve Rai described the crash as the ‘darkest day in Vancouver’s history’.
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