What was supposed to be a lively and joyful spring celebration in Vancouver quickly turned into a nightmare that left families shattered and a community in deep mourning.
Among the 11 lives lost in a horrific car rampage was costume designer Jenifer Darbellay, wife of British actor Noel Johansen—best known for his roles on the Hallmark Channel and a recent film with Blake Lively.
A picture shared online captured what might have been Jenifer’s final moments—a bright smile on her face as she gave their seven-year-old daughter Darby a piggyback ride.
Hours later, an SUV plowed through a crowded street during Lapu Lapu Day celebrations, changing lives forever.
Actor Noel Johansen’s Heartbreaking Loss
Noel Johansen, who survived the crash along with his children, Ford (15) and Darby (7), has been left devastated.
His wife Jenifer was among those killed, while young Darby sustained injuries in the chaos.
Heart-wrenching photos show Johansen, visibly injured and walking on crutches, sobbing at the scene of the tragedy as he paid tribute to his wife.
Speaking at a vigil, Johansen told mourners, “What you see here is an injury that means nothing to me because what’s inside my heart is broken. My wife passed away behind me at the incident.”
His words painted a picture of a selfless woman who never celebrated herself, but touched countless lives.
“She was larger than life for anyone who knew her,” he said.
A Community Rallies in Grief
Support poured in quickly after the tragedy.
A GoFundMe campaign launched by Johansen’s friend and business partner, Michael Daingerfield, has already raised over 166,000 Canadian dollars—surpassing its original $150K goal.
Daingerfield described Jen as “a one-of-a-kind, artistic woman” and “a selfless mother and loving wife” who volunteered at her daughter’s school and brought warmth to everyone around her.
The Horror Unfolds at a Community Festival
The attack happened just after 8pm on Saturday, when a man identified as 31-year-old Kai-Ji Adam Lo drove an Audi through a crowd of festival-goers.
The Lapu Lapu Day event had drawn hundreds of families and locals hoping to enjoy music, food, and community spirit.
But instead of ending in celebration, the night became a scene of carnage.
Eyewitnesses described seeing bodies scattered across the road, overturned tents and chairs, and stunned onlookers rushing to help victims while waiting for paramedics.
Among the injured was a baby reportedly trapped under a car.
Emergency responders were seen performing CPR, as chaos unfolded in a space meant for joy.
The Man Behind the Wheel: A Deepening Tragedy
Lo, the suspected driver, reportedly apologized at the scene as he was pulled from the car.
Authorities now say he was experiencing a severe mental health crisis.
Just last year, his older brother was murdered—a trauma that seemed to unravel his stability.
His mother later attempted suicide, and Lo began having frequent run-ins with police and health professionals.
Neighbors recall hearing him yelling at home, describing him as paranoid and scared.
The police had even visited his home two weeks prior to the attack, asking for security footage.
On the day of the incident, a family member had reached out to a psychiatric facility out of concern for his deteriorating state.
Vancouver—and the World—Responds
Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney issued a statement expressing his sorrow, saying, “We are all mourning with you.” Jagmeet Singh, leader of the NDP, had attended the event but left just before the vehicle struck.
“This is so horrific, I don’t even know what to say,” he admitted.
“I was just there and saw the smiling faces of kids dancing.”
The city typically places dump trucks at road ends to block traffic during festivals, but that safety measure was reportedly absent on Saturday, raising tough questions in the aftermath.
Remembering Jenifer and the Lives Lost
While Vancouver grieves, Noel Johansen’s words at the vigil continue to echo: “Don’t be small in life, be big. Reach out and reach out as a human being with everything you have.”
Jenifer’s legacy, defined by kindness, creativity, and deep love for her family, will live on in the hearts of those who knew her.