A couple hugs near the scene the day after the attack in Vancouver. Photo:
AP Photo/Lindsey Wasson
- Vancouver Police Department confirmed on Monday, April 28 that 11 people — ages ranging from 5 to 65 — had died following the attack at the Lapu Lapu Festival in Vancouver, Canada on Saturday, April 26
- Val De La Cruz and his son Jeb, who is almost 2 years old, were among the many victims injured in the incident, per a GoFundMe page set up by Val’s sister, Nor
- Kai-Ji Adam Lo, 30, was arrested at the scene of the attack and has been charged with eight counts of second-degree murder
A father and his 1-year-old son were among those injured after a driver rammed his SUV into a crowd at a Filipino community festival in Vancouver over the weekend.
Eleven people between the ages of 5 and 65 died after the attack at the Lapu Lapu Festival — an annual event that celebrates Filipino culture — in the city on Saturday, April 26, Vancouver Police Department (VPD) confirmed in a post on X on Monday, April 28.
Vancouver Police arrested Kai-Ji Adam Lo, 30, at the scene of the incident that left more than 30 others injured. He was previously charged with eight counts of second-degree murder, but Sergeant Steve Addison said during a press conference on Monday that police “anticipate that additional charges will be laid in the coming days or weeks.”
Val De La Cruz and his son Jeb De La Cruz, who is almost 2 years old, were among the many victims injured in the incident, according to a GoFundMe page set up by Val’s sister, Nor.
Authorities are pictured after a man drove into a crowd at the Lapu Lapu Festival in Vancouver. Rich Lam/The Canadian Press via AP
Confirming Val and Jeb had been “tragically injured” in the attack, Nor wrote in the description, “Both are now fighting for their lives in the ICU, suffering from severe injuries and multiple fractures.”
In an update on Monday, Nor stated that Val had been “transferred to the High Acuity Unit” and was “showing signs of improvement,” while Jeb remained in the ICU in “critical” condition.
“He continues to be closely monitored,” Nor wrote of the toddler’s recovery.
“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,” per the description on the GoFundMe.
“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,” Nor continued in the description.
“Their family is heartbroken and overwhelmed. We are humbly asking for your help to ease their financial burden during this unimaginable time. Donations will go directly toward their recovery and family expenses during this hard time,” she added.
“My brother is the sole provider for his family, and due to the accident, covering their expenses will be a significant challenge,” Nor wrote, stating that Val and his wife also have a 5-month-old daughter.
Tributes are left for victims after a man drove into a crowd at the Lapu Lapu Festival in Vancouver. Andrew Chin/Getty
The GoFundMe page has raised just over $122,000 ($169,000 CAD) as of Tuesday, April 29. PEOPLE has reached out for an update on Val and Jeb’s recovery.
Roland Nulada, Val’s brother-in-law, is also in critical condition after suffering a broken leg, a broken arm and internal bleeding in the attack, per the Vancouver Sun.
“The car, it was very fast with lots of smoke coming out,” Roland’s sister, Pinky Nulada, told the outlet, adding, “When it stopped, I saw all of these people, flying, others lying down, some hanging on the outside of the truck.”
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Authorities are pictured after a man drove into a crowd at the Lapu Lapu Festival in Vancouver. Andrew Chin/Getty
VPD confirmed on Monday that eight women, two men and a 5-year-old girl had died in the Lapu Lapu Festival attack, which occurred at approximately 8:14 p.m. local time near East 43rd Avenue and Fraser Street.
“In the coming days as we learn more about the victims in this horrific attack, the trauma is going to increase. It’s going to get harder before it gets easier,” police said, per an X post.
VPD didn’t immediately respond when contacted by PEOPLE for additional information.
