The Vancouver Lapu Lapu Festival Attack shook the community on Saturday, April 26, when an SUV crashed into a crowd celebrating Filipino culture at the annual Lapu Lapu festival. Jen Darbellay, 50, tragically lost her life in the horrific incident.
Noel Johansen, the beloved Hallmark star, spoke out at a vigil for the victims, visibly heartbroken as he stood on crutches. “What you see here is nothing compared to the pain I feel inside my heart,” Johansen told Global News. “Because my wife passed away in the chaos of the attack behind me.”
Johansen reflected on his wife’s selflessness, sharing that Jen never sought the spotlight and always put others first. “She was larger than life for anyone who knew her,” he said, encouraging others to live fully and reach out to those around them, just as Jen did in her own life.
Together, the couple shared two children, Ford, 15, and Darby, 7, who were also present at the event, which led to 11 deaths and multiple injuries in the Vancouver Lapu Lapu Festival Attack.
Remembering Jen Darbellay: A Bright Light in the Family
Friends and family have rallied around Johansen as they mourn the loss of Jen, who was described as “one-of-a-kind” in a heartfelt GoFundMe campaign. The message highlighted her talents as an artist, her boundless warmth, and her unwavering love for her family.
“She was a loving wife, an attentive mother, and an incredibly kind person to all who knew her,” the post reads. “Her legacy will live on through the memories of those who were touched by her presence.”
The Aftermath of the Vancouver Lapu Lapu Festival Attack
In the aftermath of the attack, the pain is deep, and the community has come together to support the grieving families. The tragic event was caused by 30-year-old Kai-Ji Adam Lo, who allegedly drove at high speeds into the crowd. Lo has since been charged with eight counts of second-degree murder, with further charges expected. Authorities confirmed that the victims ranged in age from 5 to 65, and many others were injured during the Vancouver Lapu Lapu Festival Attack.
The GoFundMe campaign has raised nearly $170,000 to support the Johansen family during this unimaginable time, helping with funeral costs, childcare, and other necessary expenses. As Noel Johansen faces an uncertain future, the love and support from the community continue to pour in.
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Source: www.people.com
