Teen, 16, who Lost Parents and Sister in Vancouver Festival Attack, Donates $192,000 from Fundraiser to Other Victims

Yahoo

01-05-2025

Andy Le, 16, lost his father Richard Le, 47, stepmom Linh Hoang, 30, and sister Katie Le, 5, after a driver rammed his SUV into a crowd at the Lapu Lapu Festival in Vancouver, Canada on Saturday, April 26
A GoFundMe page set up to help the teenager — who decided to stay home to do his homework instead of going to the festival — has raised over $392,800
In a YouTube clip posted to the fundraiser, Andy thanked everyone for their support and revealed he was planning to donate over $192,000 from the fundraiser to help other families affected by the attack
A teenager lost his entire family after a driver rammed his SUV into a crowd at a community festival in Vancouver, Canada over the weekend, killing 11 people between the ages of 5 and 65.
The Le family was among the many victims in the attack at the Lapu Lapu Festival — an annual event that celebrates Filipino culture — in the city on Saturday, April 26, per a GoFundMe page set up to help raise money for the only surviving family member, Andy Le, 16.
The page stated that Richard Le, 47, Linh Hoang, 30, and Katie Le, 5, "were killed either instantly or later succumbed to their injuries at the hospital."
"Andy Le, the sole survivor, lived only because, at the last moment, he decided to stay home to finish his homework instead of attending the event with his family," the message read.
In a YouTube clip shared on the fundraising page, which has raised over $392,800, Andy shared, "I would like to thank everyone who has donated to my GoFundMe campaign and from the bottom of my heart, thank you all so much."
Related: 1-Year-Old in Critical Condition After Vancouver Festival Attack, His 'Devoted and Loving Father' Also Hospitalized
"I truly appreciate each and every one of you, and I know that many other families are hurting too, which is why I'd like to donate $266,000 [CAD] (just under $192,500 USD) to other victims from my GoFundMe campaign," the teenager added.
"I want to continue living with my grandparents, who [have] helped raise me, and truly love me. Thank you all so much for your support," he concluded.
Richard's brother, Toan Le — who set up the GoFundMe page — confirmed his sibling, Linh and Katie had died in the attack while speaking to the Canadian Broadcasting Corporation. Linh was Andy's stepmom and "raised him like he was her own," per the outlet, citing Toan.
"His entire life just changed overnight," Toan said of his nephew.
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Katie, who had just finished pre-school, is the youngest confirmed victim who died in the attack, according to the CBC.
"She was the life of the party. She was always so cheerful, happy. She always wants to play with her cousins," Toan said, per the outlet. "We're going to miss her so much."
Paying tribute to Richard Le, Toan wrote on the GoFundMe page that his brother "was a dedicated father, badminton and tennis coach and real estate professional."
"He devoted his life to teaching young people the values of sportsmanship and team spirit. He served his community and clients with pride and always went out of his way to help others," he continued.
The GoFundMe added, "Richard's wife and Andy's stepmother, Linh, was known for her kindness and gentle spirit. She had been planning a visit to see her family in Vietnam."
"Katie, one of the youngest victims, was about to graduate from kindergarten. She was vibrant, joyful, and full of life. The family is survived by Andy, who is 16 years old and currently being supported by extended family. The Vancouver community is devastated in the wake of this senseless act of violence against innocent lives," the message read.
Vancouver Police arrested Kai-Ji Adam Lo, 30, at the scene of the incident on Saturday that left multiple others injured. He was charged with eight counts of second-degree murder, but Sergeant Steve Addison said during a press conference on Monday, April 28 that police "anticipate that additional charges will be laid in the coming days or weeks."
New donations on the GoFundMe page raising money for Andy Le have currently been disabled. PEOPLE has reached out to Toan Le for comment.
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