3 Filipinas among those killed in Lapu Lapu Day tragedy in Vancouver
Photos from GoFundMe
VANCOUVER – Most of the people killed in the car ramming attack at the Lapu Lapu Day street festival in Vancouver on Saturday were women, Vancouver police announced on Monday.
GoFundMe campaigns created by the victims’ friends and families show three of these women were Filipino.
The Ministry of Health reported on Monday that 16 other victims remain in the hospital – seven of them with critical injuries – and 13 others had been discharged from hospitals.
Here’s a list of some of the Filipino victims and how to help them.
Maria Victoria ‘Vicky’ Bjarnason and son Helgi Bjarnason
Maria Victoria Vicky Bjarnason (left) and her son Helgi Bjarnason | Photo from GoFundMe
Maria Victoria “Vicky” Bjarnason was visiting from the Philippines to spend time with her two sons in Vancouver. She was at the Lapu Lapu Day festival with her 27-year-old son Helgi, who celebrated his birthday the night before the attack.
“Helgi was holding his mother’s hand and attempted to pull her away from the car, but unfortunately she was ripped away from him and tragically killed,” according to the family’s GoFundMe.
“This is an unimaginable loss for her sons, who no longer have any parents in their lives.”
Vicky was scheduled to fly back to the Philippines on April 29.
Helgi, who sustained injuries, including a broken leg, was rushed to the hospital for surgery.
Donations will help cover funeral expenses and bring Bjarnason back home to the Philippines.
Jendhel May Sico
Jendhel May Sico | Photo from GoFundMe
Jendhel May Sico, one of those tragically killed when a car plowed into the festival crowd, is remembered as a “beautiful soul” who lived her life to the fullest.
“I’m writing on behalf of my family as we mourn the tragic and unexpected loss of my sister and best friend,” Maydhel Ann Sico wrote in a GoFundMe.
“She always had a smile on her face and everyone that knows her would agree that she brought positivity to everyone she met.”
Maydhel said any amount “would be the world to us.”
Funds will help cover funeral expenses.
Rizza
Rizza | Photo from GoFundMe
A Filipina, identified only by her first name, Rizza, was one of the fatalities in the Vancouver tragedy.
“The shock and sorrow are still unimaginable, it feels like a terrible dream we can’t wake up from,” said her cousin Shelby Anne Marie Pacumio in a GoFundMe page.
“We are mourning the tragic and unexpected loss of my dear cousin, Rizza, a loving wife, devoted sister and cherished loved one to so many.”
Pacumio described Rizza as “the sweetest soul” who was kind-hearted, humble and hardworking.
Rizza moved from the Philippines to Winnipeg with her husband in search of a better life. Pacumio said her family encouraged her to come to Vancouver “so she could be closer to us, to be surrounded by love and support.”
Donations will help reunite Rizza with her loved ones back home in the Philippines and “to lay her to rest with the family who raised her and loved her deeply.”
Val and Jeb De La Cruz
Val and Jeb De La Cruz | Photo from GoFundMe
Val De La Cruz and his 2-year-old son Jeb, two of those critically injured, are fighting for their lives at the intensive care unit.
“Their family is heartbroken and overwhelmed,” said Val’s sister Mary Nor De La Cruz in a GoFundMe.
“Val is the sole provider for his family, and due to the accident, covering their expenses will be a significant challenge.
Donations will help cover medical expenses and support Val’s wife and their 5-month-old daughter.
Roland Nulada
Roland Nulada | Photo from GoFundMe
Roland Nulada, a healthcare worker, took his family to the Lapu Lapu Day festival “hoping to share with his children the beauty of their Filipino heritage,” according to his family’s GoFundMe.
Roland’s sister Pinky Nulada described him as a kind, hardworking and compassionate man “who never hesitated to help others – whether it’s patients at work, neighbors in need or friends going through tough times.”
What began as a joyful celebration turned into tragedy when Roland was struck by a vehicle while waiting in line at a food truck. He suffered serious injuries and is currently undergoing extensive testing and treatment.
“Every little bit counts. Every share makes a difference. Every prayer is felt,” Pinky said.
Adrian ‘AJ’ Sico
Adrian ‘AJ’ Sico | Photo from GoFundMe
AJ Sico was among those critically injured at the Lapu Lapu festival. He is in intensive care with serious injuries, including broken legs, shattered thigh, a lacerated liver, brain swelling and trauma to his left eye.
“AJ is showing signs of strength and resilience. His brain is responsive to testing, his vitals are stable, and his heart is strong. While there is hope, we still do not know the full extent of the long-term impacts he may face,” his family’s GoFundMe said.
Donations will cover AJ’s medical care.
Christi Watkins and Nox
Christi Watkins and Nox | Photo from GoFundMe
Christi Watkins, who had organized a breakdancing event at the festival, and her 11-year-old son Nox were among those who sustained injuries.
Christi’s injuries include two fractured vertebrae, broken ribs, a punctured lung and kidney damage, according to a GoFundMe page.
Donations will help support her family of four as Christi recovers from her injuries.
Joshua Candelaria (Josh Candy)
Joshua Candelaria (Josh Candy) | Photo from GoFundMe
Joshua Candelaria, also known as Josh Candy, directed and choreographed performances at the Lapu Lapu Day festival in Vancouver.
Josh sustained serious injuries that required surgery.
“His passion, humility, humor and kindness have made him not just an incredible teacher and performer, but also an irreplaceable role model for students and colleagues alike,” according to a GoFundMe created to help raise funds for his medical expenses.
“This amazing guy has given so much to all of us through his talent, warmth and selflessness. Now it’s our turn to show him how much he means to us.”
Book of condolences
The public is invited to send their condolences via an online condolence book, set up by the government of British Columbia, or to do so in person at the Parliament Buildings in Victoria, located in the Hall of Honour.
The book will be accessible daily from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. until Friday, May 2. The online book will be open until 5 p.m. on May 5.
Anyone searching for loved ones who attended the festival is encouraged to visit the 24-hour assistance centre at Douglas Park Community Centre or contact a victim liaison officer at 1-604-717-3321.
