Latest news with #ToanLe
Yahoo
02-05-2025
- Yahoo
Teen, family's sole survivor in Vancouver attack, to give half his donations to other victims
Andy Le, now the sole survivor of his family and the brother of Katie Le, the 5-year-old who was killed in the Vancouver festival attack, is donating half the proceeds from his GoFundMe to other survivors and their families. Andy Le — the 16-year-old whose stepmother and father were also killed in the deadly attack on the Filipino festival last weekend — announced in a video released this week that he is giving away more than $266,000 Canadian dollars from a fundraiser set up for him. It had raised over half a million Canadian dollars as of its close on Tuesday. Le's uncle, Toan Le, told NBC News the funds would be donated in the coming weeks and that they are searching for an organization to give to. 'From the bottom of my heart, thank you all so much. I truly appreciate each and every one of you,' Andy Le said. 'I know that many other families are hurting too, which is why I would like to donate $266,000 to the other victims from my GoFundMe campaign.' The Saturday attack killed 11 people and injured more than two dozen others. The victims ranged in age from 5 to 65, officials said at a news conference Sunday, adding that the death toll could rise. So far, law enforcement has not given a motive, but it has ruled out terrorism as a possibility. Officials said the suspect, Kai-Ji Adam Lo, 30, who has been charged with eight counts of second-degree murder, had a history of mental illness and was known to police. Lo was under the care of a mental health team at Vancouver Coastal Health (VCH), the facility said in a statement Tuesday. But he was on an extended leave under the Mental Health Act at the time of the attack. Toan Le told NBC News that his brother, Richard Le, 47; his sister-in-law, Linh Hoang, 30; and his niece, Katie Le, 5, were killed. Andy Le survived, the GoFundMe said, because he opted to stay home to finish his homework instead of attending the festival with the rest of his family. The fundraiser was initially started to pay for Andy Le's college education in addition to final expenses for his three family members. In a post on the GoFundMe page, Toan Le said that the funds would now also go toward direct or indirect victims and cover expenses including funeral costs, education, counseling and medical expenses. 'Our hearts go out to all of the families affected by this tragedy,' Toan Le wrote on the GoFundMe page. 'Stay strong—we are with you.' Toan Le also shared details about Andy Le's late family members, writing on the GoFundMe that Richard Le 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,' Le wrote on the GoFundMe. 'He served his community and clients with pride and always went out of his way to help others.' Le went on to say that Linh Hoang, Andy Le's stepmother, was 'known for her kindness and gentle spirit.' And Katie was just about to graduate from kindergarten. 'She was vibrant, joyful, and full of life,' Toan Le said of Katie, who was among the youngest of the attack victims. In his video, Andy Le said that he plans to continue living with his grandparents. Locals previously told NBC News that the festival that was attacked is one of the largest Filipino celebrations of the year. It honors the 16th century Filipino chieftain Datu Lapu-Lapu, who defeated Spanish forces and remains a symbol of resistance against colonialism. Diana Silva, a vendor at the festival who left just 30 minutes before the attack, said that during a vigil for the victims, community members didn't hesitate to start brainstorming ways to support survivors and help grieving community members.' Silva said it was reflective of the spirit of the chieftain himself. 'Lapu-Lapu is all about resilience, and he stood up for the Philippines,' Silva said. 'I think that's what our community is doing now.'This article was originally published on
NBC News
02-05-2025
- NBC News
Brother of 5-year-old Vancouver crash victim to give half his donations to other survivors
Andy Le, now the sole survivor of his family and the brother of Katie Le, the 5-year-old who was killed in the Vancouver festival attack, is donating half the proceeds from his GoFundMe to other survivors and their families. Andy Le — the 16-year-old whose stepmother and father were also killed in the deadly attack on the Filipino festival last weekend — announced in a video released this week that he is giving away more than $266,000 Canadian dollars from a fundraiser set up for him. It had raised over half a million Canadian dollars as of its close on Tuesday. Le's uncle, Toan Le, told NBC News the funds would be donated in the coming weeks and that they are searching for an organization to give to. 'From the bottom of my heart, thank you all so much. I truly appreciate each and every one of you,' Andy Le said. 'I know that many other families are hurting too, which is why I would like to donate $266,000 to the other victims from my GoFundMe campaign.' The Saturday attack killed 11 people and injured more than two dozen others. The victims ranged in age from 5 to 65, officials said at a news conference Sunday, adding that the death toll could rise. So far, law enforcement has not given a motive, but it has ruled out terrorism as a possibility. Officials said the suspect, Kai-Ji Adam Lo, 30, who has been charged with eight counts of second-degree murder, had a history of mental illness and was known to police. Lo was under the care of a mental health team at Vancouver Coastal Health (VCH), the facility said in a statement Tuesday. But he was on an extended leave under the Mental Health Act at the time of the attack. Toan Le told NBC News that his brother, Richard Le, 47; his sister-in-law, Linh Hoang, 30; and his niece, Katie Le, 5, were killed. Andy Le survived, the GoFundMe said, because he opted to stay home to finish his homework instead of attending the festival with the rest of his family. The fundraiser was initially started to pay for Andy Le's college education in addition to final expenses for his three family members. In a post on the GoFundMe page, Toan Le said that the funds would now also go toward direct or indirect victims and cover expenses including funeral costs, education, counseling and medical expenses. 'Our hearts go out to all of the families affected by this tragedy,' Toan Le wrote on the GoFundMe page. 'Stay strong—we are with you.' Toan Le also shared details about Andy Le's late family members, writing on the GoFundMe that Richard Le 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,' Le wrote on the GoFundMe. 'He served his community and clients with pride and always went out of his way to help others.' Le went on to say that Linh Hoang, Andy Le's stepmother, was 'known for her kindness and gentle spirit.' And Katie was just about to graduate from kindergarten. 'She was vibrant, joyful, and full of life,' Toan Le said of Katie, who was among the youngest of the attack victims. In his video, Andy Le said that he plans to continue living with his grandparents. Locals previously told NBC News that the festival that was attacked is one of the largest Filipino celebrations of the year. It honors the 16th century Filipino chieftain Datu Lapu-Lapu, who defeated Spanish forces and remains a symbol of resistance against colonialism. Diana Silva, a vendor at the festival who left just 30 minutes before the attack, said that during a vigil for the victims, community members didn't hesitate to start brainstorming ways to support survivors and help grieving community members.' Silva said it was reflective of the spirit of the chieftain himself. 'Lapu-Lapu is all about resilience, and he stood up for the Philippines,' Silva said. 'I think that's what our community is doing now.'
Toronto Star
01-05-2025
- Toronto Star
Vancouver artist who was mother of two identified among Vancouver festival victims
VANCOUVER - Family members and friends of those killed in a vehicle attack at a Vancouver festival are coming forward to tell the stories of their loved ones. A 30-year-old man faces a series of second-degree murder charges over the attack that killed 11 people at the Lapu Lapu Day festival. Here is what we know about some of the victims: JENIFER DARBELLAY Jenifer Darbellay, 50, was an artist and mother of two children, ages seven and 15. Her husband, Noel Johansen, described Darbellay as selfless, creative and empathetic. Johansen said he was in search of dessert at the festival when the SUV drove through the crowd. He likened the crash to a 'tidal wave.' ARTICLE CONTINUES BELOW 'It hit us before we knew. I was falling in slow motion trying to save my head from smashing in the pavement,' Johansen said. Darbellay was killed, while the rest of the family survived. Johansen said that the day before, the couple was talking about politics and situations in which people seek revenge toward the person who hurt them. He said she told him, 'We need to forgive the perpetrators of the crimes that are committed against us.' Johansen said he's now trying to honour that philosophy. DANIEL SAMPER, GLITZA MARIA CAICEDO AND THEIR DAUGHTER GLITZA DANIELA SAMPER Daniel Samper, his wife Glitza Maria Caicedo, and their daughter Glitza Daniela Samper were among 11 people killed at the Filipino festival on April 27. The family immigrated, along with their son, Alejandro, from Colombia to Vancouver in the early 2000s to start a new life. Alejandro Samper said in interview Tuesday that his family was his whole world, and that his parents sacrificed everything to move them to Canada, in part to escape the violence that occurred in their native Colombia. Samper says his parents were the 'nicest people' who helped many others, and the family was 'very, very close.' ARTICLE CONTINUES BELOW ARTICLE CONTINUES BELOW RICHARD LE, LIN HOANG AND DAUGHTER KATIE LE Richard Le, 47, was a Realtor who had been attending the Lapu Lapu Day festival with his wife and daughter. Toan Le says his older brother was always there when he needed help. 'I remember when I was a kid, I was bullied, and he stepped in, and he ended up getting beat up,' he said in an interview. A statement from Royal Pacific Realty says Le had been with the company for more than 15 years, and he was also a 'passionate badminton and tennis coach' who spent countless hours mentoring young people. David Choi, president of Royal Pacific Realty, says 'Richard's legacy of kindness, mentorship, and professional excellence will live on in the many lives he touched.' Toan Le says Linh Hoang, 30, was a lovely person, and 'a dedicated mother' to Katie and her 16-year-old stepbrother Andy. Andy did not attend the festival and instead stayed home to finish his homework. Toan Le says five-year-old Katie Le 'was super energetic.' 'She had a very lovable personality, and she really loved just being around people,' he says. ARTICLE CONTINUES BELOW ARTICLE CONTINUES BELOW KIRA SALIM Kira Salim was a teacher-counsellor at Fraser River Middle School and New Westminster Secondary School. A statement from the superintendent of the school district says Salim's wisdom and care for students had a powerful impact. 'Their work, and the great spirit they brought to it, changed lives,' the statement says of Salim. LGBTQ advocacy group New West Pride posted a tribute, saying Salim was 'an epic drag king, a wonderful exuberant contributor to our local community, volunteer, activist, local educator, mental health worker.' The School of Music at the University of British Columbia says in a statement on Facebook that Salim worked at the school's front desk in 2023. It says that they were a 'much-loved member of our community,' as well as noting their roles as activist and educator. — With files from The Associated Press This report by The Canadian Press was first published May 1, 2025.
Winnipeg Free Press
01-05-2025
- Winnipeg Free Press
Vancouver artist who was mother of two identified among Vancouver festival victims
VANCOUVER – Family members and friends of those killed in a vehicle attack at a Vancouver festival are coming forward to tell the stories of their loved ones. A 30-year-old man faces a series of second-degree murder charges over the attack that killed 11 people at the Lapu Lapu Day festival. Here is what we know about some of the victims: JENIFER DARBELLAY Jenifer Darbellay, 50, was an artist and mother of two children, ages seven and 15. Her husband, Noel Johansen, described Darbellay as selfless, creative and empathetic. Johansen said he was in search of dessert at the festival when the SUV drove through the crowd. He likened the crash to a 'tidal wave.' 'It hit us before we knew. I was falling in slow motion trying to save my head from smashing in the pavement,' Johansen said. Darbellay was killed, while the rest of the family survived. Johansen said that the day before, the couple was talking about politics and situations in which people seek revenge toward the person who hurt them. He said she told him, 'We need to forgive the perpetrators of the crimes that are committed against us.' Johansen said he's now trying to honour that philosophy. DANIEL SAMPER, GLITZA MARIA CAICEDO AND THEIR DAUGHTER GLITZA DANIELA SAMPER Daniel Samper, his wife Glitza Maria Caicedo, and their daughter Glitza Daniela Samper were among 11 people killed at the Filipino festival on April 27. The family immigrated, along with their son, Alejandro, from Colombia to Vancouver in the early 2000s to start a new life. Alejandro Samper said in interview Tuesday that his family was his whole world, and that his parents sacrificed everything to move them to Canada, in part to escape the violence that occurred in their native Colombia. Samper says his parents were the 'nicest people' who helped many others, and the family was 'very, very close.' RICHARD LE, LIN HOANG AND DAUGHTER KATIE LE Richard Le, 47, was a Realtor who had been attending the Lapu Lapu Day festival with his wife and daughter. Toan Le says his older brother was always there when he needed help. 'I remember when I was a kid, I was bullied, and he stepped in, and he ended up getting beat up,' he said in an interview. A statement from Royal Pacific Realty says Le had been with the company for more than 15 years, and he was also a 'passionate badminton and tennis coach' who spent countless hours mentoring young people. David Choi, president of Royal Pacific Realty, says 'Richard's legacy of kindness, mentorship, and professional excellence will live on in the many lives he touched.' Toan Le says Linh Hoang, 30, was a lovely person, and 'a dedicated mother' to Katie and her 16-year-old stepbrother Andy. Andy did not attend the festival and instead stayed home to finish his homework. Toan Le says five-year-old Katie Le 'was super energetic.' 'She had a very lovable personality, and she really loved just being around people,' he says. KIRA SALIM Kira Salim was a teacher-counsellor at Fraser River Middle School and New Westminster Secondary School. A statement from the superintendent of the school district says Salim's wisdom and care for students had a powerful impact. During Elections Get campaign news, insight, analysis and commentary delivered to your inbox during Canada's 2025 election. 'Their work, and the great spirit they brought to it, changed lives,' the statement says of Salim. LGBTQ advocacy group New West Pride posted a tribute, saying Salim was 'an epic drag king, a wonderful exuberant contributor to our local community, volunteer, activist, local educator, mental health worker.' The School of Music at the University of British Columbia says in a statement on Facebook that Salim worked at the school's front desk in 2023. It says that they were a 'much-loved member of our community,' as well as noting their roles as activist and educator. — With files from The Associated Press This report by The Canadian Press was first published May 1, 2025.
Hamilton Spectator
29-04-2025
- Hamilton Spectator
A family of three migrants from Colombia among Vancouver festival victims
VANCOUVER - More of the dead are being identified in the attack where an after an SUV drove down a street crowded with people at a Vancouver festival. Police also say that 10 people remain in hospital, including a 22-month-old boy who is in serious condition. DANIEL SAMPER, GLITZA MARIA CAICEDO AND THEIR DAUGHTER GLITZA DANIELA SAMPER Daniel Samper, his wife Glitza Maria Caicedo, and their daughter Glitza Daniela Samper were among 11 people killed at the Filipino festival on April 27. The family immigrated, along with their son, Alejandro, from Colombia to Vancouver in the early 2000s to start a new life. Alejandro Samper said in interview Tuesday that his family was his whole world, and that his parents sacrificed everything to move them to Canada, in part to escape the violence that occurred in their native Colombia. Samper says his parents were the 'nicest people' who helped many others, and the family was 'very, very close.' RICHARD LE, LIN HOANG AND DAUGHTER KATIE LE Richard Le, 47, was a Realtor who had been attending the Lapu Lapu Day festival with his wife and daughter. Toan Le says his older brother was always there when he needed help. 'I remember when I was a kid, I was bullied, and he stepped in, and he ended up getting beat up,' he said in an interview. A statement from Royal Pacific Realty says Le had been with the company for more than 15 years, and he was also a 'passionate badminton and tennis coach' who spent countless hours mentoring young people. David Choi, president of Royal Pacific Realty, says 'Richard's legacy of kindness, mentorship, and professional excellence will live on in the many lives he touched.' Toan Le says Linh Hoang, 30, was a lovely person, and 'a dedicated mother' to Katie and her 16-year-old stepbrother Andy. Andy did not attend the festival and instead stayed home to finish his homework. Toan Le says five-year-old Katie Le 'was super energetic.' 'She had a very lovable personality, and she really loved just being around people,' he says. KIRA SALIM Salim was a teacher-counsellor at Fraser River Middle School and New Westminster Secondary School. A statement from the superintendent of the school district says Salim's wisdom and care for students had a powerful impact. 'Their work, and the great spirit they brought to it, changed lives,' the statement says of Salim. LGBTQ advocacy group New West Pride posted a tribute, saying Salim was 'an epic drag king, a wonderful exuberant contributor to our local community, volunteer, activist, local educator, mental health worker.' The School of Music at the University of British Columbia says in a statement on Facebook that Salim worked at the school's front desk in 2023. It says that they were a 'much-loved member of our community,' as well as noting their roles as activist and educator. This report by The Canadian Press was first published April. 29, 2025.
