From left: Richard Le, Andy, Katie Le and Linh Hoang. Richard’s son Andy was left without his father and stepmother after the crash, according to Richard’s brother Toan Le. (GoFundMe)
A Vancouver Realtor, his wife, and their five-year-old daughter were among 11 victims killed in a vehicle attack during the Lapu Lapu Day Filipino street festival in Vancouver.
The attack happened Saturday night, when police say a man deliberately drove through the crowded festival street.
Richard Le, 47, his wife Linh Hoang, 30 and their daughter Katie Le, 5, were among the victims who were killed. Richard’s brother, Toan Le, confirmed the news through a GoFundMe campaign to support the surviving son, 16-year-old Andy Le.
In a message on the fundraising page, Toan says Andy survived only because he had chosen to stay home and complete his homework.
The Le family
Richard Le, a well-respected Realtor, was known as a dedicated father and passionate badminton and tennis coach. “He served his community and clients with pride and always went out of his way to help others,” Toan shared.
Linh Hoang, Richard’s wife and Andy’s stepmother, was described as gentle, kind-hearted, and caring, and had been preparing for a trip to visit her family in Vietnam. Their daughter Katie was about to graduate from kindergarten, described as vibrant and joyful.
Toan writes that the couple’s 16-year-old son is currently receiving support from extended family members. He says the GoFundMe campaign will help cover funeral expenses for Richard, Linh and Katie and provide financial support for Andy’s future education. At the time of publication, the campaign had raised nearly $500,000.
Remaining funds will be donated to victims’ families
Acknowledging the widespread impact, Toan Le updated donors: “We are just one family out of many families that have been impacted by this tragedy. Once we are able to assess the financial needs and secure Andy’s future, we will be donating the balance to other victims. This is our public commitment because, as a community, we need to help each other through this challenging time.”
Greater Vancouver Realtors sends condolences
The Greater Vancouver Realtors expressed their condolences through social media, “It’s with deep sadness that we share our condolences for our member Richard Le and his family, who were victims of the tragic events at Saturday’s Lapu Lapu Day celebration. Richard was a dedicated family man who served his community.”
Police identified the suspect as 30-year-old Kai-Ji Adam Lo, a Vancouver resident now facing eight counts of second-degree murder. Lo was detained at the scene by bystanders before Vancouver Police officers arrived. The BC Prosecution Service continues its investigation, indicating that additional charges are likely.
Authorities confirm that in addition to the 11 fatalities, more than two dozen people suffered injuries. Some victims remain unidentified as the investigation continues.
Jordana is the editor of Real Estate Magazine. You can reach her by email.