Troy Tyrell | WBN News – Vancouver | April 27, 2025

Last night, steps from my home at East 44th Avenue and St. George Street, our neighborhood was shaken to its core.

During the Lapu-Lapu Day Festival — a beautiful celebration of Filipino heritage — a black Audi SUV came speeding eastbound down 43rd Avenue from St. George Street and plowed into the gathered crowd. The chaos unfolded around 8:15 p.m., turning a night of joy into heartbreak within seconds.

So far, authorities have confirmed 11 fatalities, with over 20 more people injured, some critically. It's being called one of the deadliest incidents in Vancouver’s recent history.

The suspect, a 30-year-old local man known to police for mental health issues, was subdued by brave bystanders before police arrived. Investigators have ruled out terrorism, but that brings little comfort to the families shattered by this senseless act.

The Lapu-Lapu Festival was supposed to be a time to uplift and celebrate, honoring Datu Lapu-Lapu, a Filipino hero who stood against colonialism. It was the first significant event in South Vancouver, filled with food, music, dancing, and families from all walks of life.

Today, our usually quiet streets around 43rd and St. George feel heavy. I live just half a block away, and this morning, I saw the growing memorial — flowers, candles, and handwritten notes, all soaking wet from the morning rain. Vancouverites are grieving together.

Counseling services are being offered, and police continue investigating what led to this horrific tragedy.

In a city known for its resilience and heart, we mourn today and stand together.

Troy Tyrell – Columnist, WBN News | Email: Troy@tsquaredtraining.com

TAGS: #WBN News #Vancouver Tragedy #LapuLapu Festival #Community News #Breaking News #Filipino Heritage #Public Safety #Local Journalism #Troy Tyrell

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