Tributes and efforts to support the victims of the Lapu-Lapu Day Block Party continue a month after a tragic event in Vancouver, where an SUV rammed into crowds of festival-goers during a Filipino festival. The attack resulted in the deaths of 11 individuals and left several others injured, all of whom have been identified.
Christi Watkins, a survivor of the incident, recounted her harrowing experience: "I remember everything," she said. After being struck by the speeding SUV, Watkins found herself in pain but remained conscious enough to try and manage her injuries. She flipped over onto her back to alleviate the pain from breathing. A bystander rushed to her aid, stabilizing her neck and applying pressure to a laceration on her head. Currently, Watkins is in a wheelchair as she recovers from multiple head fractures resulting from the impact. Her 11-year-old son, Nox, also sustained injuries and is frequently in and out of the hospital. In response to their situation, a GoFundMe page has raised over $145,000 to support their recovery efforts. Watkins expressed the emotional turmoil she feels, stating, "I go in between sadness and grief, but also feeling really overwhelmed with love and support."
On April 26, 2025, in the House of Commons, members of Parliament observed a moment of silence for the victims of the Lapu-Lapu festival tragedy. Newly elected Speaker, Francis Scarpaleggia, acknowledged the loss during this solemn occasion. He stated, "I understand there’s an agreement to observe a moment of silence following the tragic event that occurred at the Lapu Lapu Festival in Vancouver, B.C." The Filipino community remains in a state of mourning, grappling with the aftermath of this horrific event.
RJ Aquino, the chair of Filipino B.C., described the situation as a "social disaster." He highlighted the impact of the tragedy, which extends beyond the immediate victims, bringing forth a collective emotional response from the community. To assist those affected, support services have been established. Aquino mentioned the creation of the Kapwa Centre for Community Resilience, a space where community members can gather, share meals, and access counseling services tailored to their needs.
Over the past weekend and on Monday, multiple fundraising events took place to provide aid for the victims' families and those injured. One notable event was a three-kilometer run at the Toronto Zoo, organized to raise funds for the United Way's Kapwa Strong Fund, which offers grants to not-for-profit organizations supporting individuals impacted by the attack. Furthermore, there have been discussions regarding the establishment of a permanent memorial for the victims, although Aquino emphasized that it is still early to implement such changes. "Friends and immediate family of those who passed away are visiting the site regularly, and everyone is mindful of the next steps to take and making sure it’s appropriate and meaningful," he stated.
On the night of the festival, which concluded just after 8 p.m. on April 26, 2025, the SUV drove into the crowd, leading to the chaos and devastation witnessed by many. The accused, Adam Kai-Ji Lo, now faces eight counts of second-degree murder, and additional charges are anticipated. His next court appearance is scheduled for May 30, 2025.
