Vancouver's South neighborhood was filled with joy during the Lapu Lapu Festival, celebrating Filipino culture with music, food, and laughter. However, the next day, the scene was somber as the aftermath of a tragic car-ramming attack began to settle in.
20-year-old Franchesca Gabo was among the festival-goers and was deeply affected by the events that unfolded when a driver plowed his SUV into the crowd, killing 11 people, including 5-year-old Katie Le and her parents. Gabo returned to the scene to visit a makeshift memorial and reflect on the sudden shift from celebration to sorrow.
Authorities announced that the 30-year-old suspect, who has a history of mental illness, is now charged with murder. While motives still remain unclear, this tragic event has left a profound impact on the community as they honor the lives lost, including beloved figures like school counselor Kira Salim.
As the festival was a vibrant celebration the day before, the community's painful transition to mourning reveals how quickly joy can turn into heartbreak.
