Vancouver unites in grief after the tragedy of vehicle attack at the Lapu Lapu Day festival leaves 11 dead and many injured; the community mourns together.
On May 2, 2025, the Vancouver community gathered at Holy Rosary Cathedral to honor the victims of the devastating vehicle-ramming attack at the Filipino community’s Lapu Lapu Day festival. This day of mourning was marked by grief, unity, and reflections on the tragedy that struck so close to home.
The attack, which occurred on April 26, 2025, left 11 people dead and many more injured as an SUV sped through the crowd gathered for the festival. For Rev. Francis Galvan, who was originally set to attend the event but was distracted by the death of Pope Francis, the grief felt by the community was profound. The pastor of Sacred Heart Parish in Delta shared his experience of visiting the site to leave candles for the victims, noting how many people were deeply impacted by what they had witnessed.
“I saw this lady in front of the street where it happened. She said, ‘Father, bless me and help me or pray for me because I saw what happened.’ And I couldn’t even repeat what she said. It was just too painful,” said Galvan, his voice filled with sorrow.
Gathering in Grief and Strength
The memorial mass, which drew mourners from across Vancouver, including both Filipino community members and non-Filipinos, was a somber occasion that brought the city together in solidarity. Key dignitaries, including B.C. Premier David Eby, Vancouver Mayor Ken Sim, and interim Vancouver police Chief Steve Rai, attended the mass, along with Archbishop J. Michael Miller, who described the tragedy as “an unspeakable tragedy.”
“This leaves us grieving and deeply disturbed,” said Archbishop Miller, his voice resonating with the collective heartbreak of those gathered. He emphasized the importance of coming together as a community, stating, “We cannot face tragedy isolated, one from another. We need a community of solidarity to support and help us as we walk through this valley of darkness.”
Provincial and Citywide Response
Premier Eby expressed his condolences to the victims’ families, acknowledging the profound impact this tragedy had on the Filipino community and Vancouver as a whole. “We mourn a loss of innocence,” he said. “We mourn a loss of potential, of those who were taken from us, and the contributions they would have made to our province, to their families, to your lives, all our lives.”
Mayor Sim echoed the sentiment, stating that the city was united in sorrow and remembrance. “The attack shattered something in all of us,” he said, reflecting the city’s shared grief.
Legal Proceedings and Ongoing Support
Meanwhile, the suspect in the attack, 30-year-old Adam Kai-Ji Lo, appeared in Vancouver provincial court earlier on May 2 for a brief hearing. Lo was ordered to undergo a mental health assessment to determine his fitness for trial. The court proceedings, which are subject to a publication ban to preserve the integrity of the trial process, are expected to continue with Lo’s next appearance scheduled for May 30.
Philippines Vice Consul Marco Harder also attended the memorial service, emphasizing the consulate’s ongoing efforts to assist the victims and their families. “We’ve been working around the clock to establish contact with the victims and determine the appropriate assistance that can be provided,” Harder said. “Justice will be administered, and we will ensure that justice is served.”
A Community’s Healing Process
As mourners gathered to remember the victims, there was a palpable sense of unity. Eric Urmaza, a local resident and member of the Filipino community, expressed the shared pain felt by many: “It’s so devastating seeing all those people who were hurt, who have passed away, who are grieving. It just hits hard because it could have happened to any of us.”
His sentiments were echoed by Lovely Condez, who emphasized how the attack impacted not only the Filipino community but also individuals who were simply there to experience the cultural celebration. “This is something that we’ll never forget,” Condez remarked. “It’s always going to be a mark in our lives.”
Despite the overwhelming grief, there was comfort in the support shared by the community. As Galvan explained outside the cathedral, the Filipino cultural value of “bayanihan”—a spirit of mutual assistance and togetherness—was critical to healing. “We will be there for each other, to support each other, and we will not only survive, we will thrive again,” he said, underscoring the resilience of the community.
A Marked Moment in History
The mass at Holy Rosary Cathedral served as both a tribute to those lost and a reminder of the strength found in community. As Vancouver grapples with this tragic event, the support from across the city has shown that no one is truly alone in their grief.
Stay tuned to Maple News Wire for more updates and stories about Vancouver’s healing process and the ongoing pursuit of justice for the victims.
