Father, mother, daughter, 5, killed in Vancouver festival attack, leave son behind

Hamilton Spectator

28-04-2025

VANCOUVER - Richard Le sent a text to his 16-year-old son on Saturday at about 8 p.m., saying the rest of family would be leaving the Lapu Lapu Day festival shortly, instead Le, his wife Linh Hoang and their five-year-old daughter Katie were run down moments after the text was sent, Le's brother said Monday.
Police and witnesses have said a black SUV raced down a street lined with food trucks, scattering people in its wake, killing 11 and injuring dozens of others, some of whom remain in hospital in critical or serious condition.
A 30-year-old Vancouver man has been charged with eight counts of second-degree murder and police have said more charges are likely as victims are identified.
Toan Le started a fundraiser on behalf of his brother, sister-in-law and niece, saying his nephew, Andy, only survived because he decided to stay home at the last moment to finish his homework.
Le said in an interview that they learned Saturday that Richard had been killed, but detectives told the family Sunday that Hoang as well as Katie Le, who was just about to graduate from kindergarten, had also been killed.
He described Katie has 'super energetic,' saying 'she had a very lovable personality, and she really loved just being around people.'
Le said his sister-in-law was a dedicated mother to Katie and step-mother to Andy. 'She's a really good person,' he said.
Richard Le sold real estate for a Vancouver firm and coached badminton and tennis.
'If I was to tell my brother and to everyone else, just cherish your loved ones and your friends, family, because you never know when they might not be around and you won't have a second chance. So, take advantage of the time you have (with) them and cherish those people that you love,' he said.
Le said Andy is in a state of shock, trying to absorb everything, and that his life has changed over just a few days.
A statement from Royal Pacific Realty, where Le worked, said it has received an 'outpouring of shock, grief, and condolences from colleagues, friends, and clients who knew and admired Richard.'
A teacher-counsellor from suburban New Westminster has also been identified as a victim in the festival attack.
Kira Salim's loss has left their friends and colleagues shocked and heartbroken, said a statement issued Monday from the superintendent at the New Westminster school district.
'Kira was a valued member of our community whose wisdom and care for our middle- and secondary-school students had a powerful impact,' it said. 'Their work, and the great spirit they brought to it, changed lives.'
The sitting at the B.C. Legislature in Victoria on Monday began with a prayer by Prince George-Mackenzie MLA Kiel Giddens, who addressed the national Day of Mourning for injured and killed workers, as well as the victims of Saturday's attack.
Speaker Raj Chouhan then led the members in a moment of silence for those affected by the ramming before adjourning the session until Tuesday.
RJ Aquino from Filipino BC, which organized the Lapu Lapu festival, told a crowd at a vigil on Sunday night that the community is confused, devastated and numbed by the tragedy.
Aquino said there are many people who witnessed the attack, and others who lost loved ones or were hurt will need care and support.
The accused in the rampage remains in custody. His next court appearance has been scheduled for May 26.
Vancouver Police have said the attack was not an act of terror. While they didn't have a motive, they said the suspect has had multiple mental health interactions with their officers.
B.C. Premier David Eby told a crowd of mourners before the vigil that people across the country and around the world are thinking about them.
'I can't imagine the heartbreak that all of you are feeling,' he said.
Aquino said his group is working around the clock to put together an information page that will let people know how to get help and support.
This report by The Canadian Press was first published April 28, 2025.