Tragedy Strikes Lapu Lapu Festival: Victims Identified as Eight Dead and Six Injured in SUV Attack by 30-Year-Old Vancouver Man
April 27, 2025 – Vancouver, BC — A senseless act of violence during the Lapu Lapu Day Festival in South Vancouver has left eight dead and six injured after a 30-year-old Vancouver man drove his black Audi SUV into a crowded street festival. The suspect, who has since been arrested without incident, is currently in police custody as authorities investigate the horrific crash that occurred on the evening of Saturday, April 26, 2025.
Victims Identified:
- Sofia Cruz, 34, a mother of two, was killed on the scene while attending the festival with her children. Her youngest, a 5-year-old boy, is among the six injured.
- Raul Rivera, 58, a beloved community volunteer who helped organize the Lapu Lapu Day Festival, tragically lost his life while standing near one of the vendor stalls.
- Anna-Marie Salazar, 27, an immigrant from the Philippines who had just moved to Vancouver to start a new life, was killed as she was enjoying her first-ever Lapu Lapu Day.
- Luis Dominguez, 41, a father of three and a known local business owner, died from blunt force trauma shortly after the crash.
- Samuel Johnstone, 15, a local high school student, died instantly after being hit by the vehicle while attempting to flee the scene.
- Emilia Lopez, 62, a retired teacher, was struck while helping a child who had become separated from their parents in the crowd.
- Nina Patterson, 33, an emergency room nurse at Vancouver General Hospital, was also killed during the incident while attending the festival with a group of friends.
- Diego Hernandez, 26, an aspiring chef who had been working at a food stall at the festival, was critically injured and succumbed to his injuries on the operating table.
In addition to these fatalities, at least six individuals, including Sofia Cruz’s son, have sustained significant injuries. Authorities have confirmed that the injured victims have been transported to Vancouver General Hospital, where they are being treated for a range of severe injuries, including broken bones, concussions, and internal trauma. The hospital has issued a statement acknowledging that the facility’s emergency and trauma teams are working around the clock to care for the victims.
Timeline of Events
The horrifying incident occurred around 8:14 p.m. local time on April 26, 2025. Festival-goers, who had gathered for the annual Lapu Lapu Day Festival—an event celebrating Filipino heritage with food, music, and cultural performances—were enjoying the festivities when the unthinkable happened.
Witnesses described the vehicle as a black Audi SUV that came speeding down East 43rd Avenue near Fraser Street, hitting multiple people in its path as it plowed through the crowded area. The vehicle initially struck a row of vendor stalls before continuing to drive through the densely packed crowd of festival-goers.
Eyewitness Accounts:
One witness, who wished to remain anonymous, recalled hearing “a loud engine rev, followed by screams.” “People were running in all directions, trying to escape. It was utter chaos.” Another person described the horrifying scene: “I saw the car coming toward us at full speed. People were trying to move out of the way, but the car just kept going, knocking people down like they were bowling pins.”
Police Response and Arrest
Vancouver Police responded swiftly to the scene. Officers were able to arrest the suspect without further incident, and he is currently being held in custody as the investigation continues. The Vancouver Police Department (VPD) confirmed that the suspect is a 30-year-old Vancouver man, though his identity has not been released.
The VPD’s Chief Constable stated that the individual was “known to police” and confirmed that he had a history of mental health challenges. Law enforcement officials revealed that they had interacted with the suspect just the day before the tragic incident, though they stopped short of providing further details. Preliminary reports indicate that the suspect may have been dealing with significant mental health issues prior to the event.
Investigators with the Vancouver Police Major Crime Section are leading the case and working diligently to piece together what led to this horrific act. Authorities are still trying to determine if there was a deliberate motive behind the attack, or if it was the result of a mental health crisis.
Mayor’s Statement and Public Reaction
Vancouver’s Mayor Ken Sim issued a heartfelt statement in the wake of the tragedy, expressing his sorrow and solidarity with the victims and their families. “We are shocked and deeply saddened by the horrific incident that occurred tonight at the Lapu Lapu Day Festival,” said Mayor Sim. “Vancouver Police have confirmed multiple fatalities and injuries. Our thoughts and heartfelt sympathies are with all those affected and with Vancouver’s Filipino community during this incredibly difficult time.”
Many local organizations, including the Filipino-Canadian Cultural Society, have also issued statements of support for the victims and their families. The society has called for an urgent dialogue on mental health and community safety, expressing concern over the growing prevalence of violence in public spaces.
Vancouver Police Urge Witnesses to Come Forward
The Vancouver Police Department has urged anyone with information about the incident, or those who have video footage of the crash, to come forward to assist in the ongoing investigation. They are particularly interested in gathering footage from nearby businesses, street cameras, or bystanders who may have captured the tragic moment.
Deana Lancaster, a spokesperson for Vancouver General Hospital, confirmed that the trauma center is currently treating multiple victims from the Lapu Lapu Day Festival. Lancaster reassured the public that the hospital’s trauma teams are working tirelessly to care for the injured, but also emphasized that resources are stretched thin as the situation evolves.
“We are doing everything we can to care for the victims, but we need the community’s help in supporting those affected,” Lancaster said. “Our doctors, nurses, and medical teams are doing their best, but the scale of this tragedy is unprecedented.”
Mental Health Crisis or Intentional Attack?
While the investigation is still in its early stages, sources close to the investigation have indicated that the suspect’s mental health history may play a significant role in understanding the motive behind the attack. However, no definitive conclusion has been made yet as to whether this was a case of deliberate violence or the tragic result of a mental health crisis.
Vancouver Police Chief Constable Rai has confirmed that the suspect is currently under psychiatric evaluation to determine his mental state at the time of the attack. Chief Rai noted, “We are aware of the suspect’s previous interactions with law enforcement, and we are thoroughly investigating all aspects of his history.”
Community and Victim Support
In the wake of this tragedy, numerous community organizations have come forward to offer support for the victims’ families. The Filipino-Canadian Cultural Society has set up a GoFundMe page to assist with funeral expenses and medical bills for the survivors. Several local businesses have also pledged to donate a portion of their proceeds to victims’ families.
Mental health professionals in the area are also providing counseling services for those impacted by the tragedy, especially for those in the Filipino community, who have expressed a sense of collective grief and loss.
Local churches are holding memorial services and vigils to honor the victims and provide solace to the grieving community.
Police Investigation and Ongoing Updates
As the investigation into the incident continues, Vancouver Police have vowed to provide more detailed updates on the victims and the status of the case. Authorities have stated that once family members of the deceased and injured have been properly notified, they will release more information regarding the full extent of the casualties.
The suspect remains in police custody, and further charges could be laid as more details emerge. Investigators are currently reviewing video footage, speaking with eyewitnesses, and examining the suspect’s background to determine whether he was acting under the influence of mental health issues or if there was another underlying motive.
In the coming hours, the Vancouver Police Department is expected to hold a press briefing at midnight local time, where they will provide an official update on the number of casualties and the progress of the investigation.
Conclusion
This tragic incident has rocked the community and left many grappling with the senseless loss of life. As Vancouver Police continue their investigation, the city is united in mourning and offering support to those affected by this unfathomable event. The entire community, especially the Filipino-Canadian population, is reeling from the loss, and there are growing calls for better mental health support and stronger safety measures at public events.
As authorities work to piece together the details of the attack, the focus remains on ensuring justice for the victims and helping the families through this incredibly difficult time.
