Family Tragedy: Three Colombian Victims Identified in Vancouver Festival Attack
Three Colombian family members were among the eleven victims of a vehicle attack in Vancouver. Alejandro Samper lost his mother, father, and sister. He is advocating for accountability regarding event security. A suspect has been charged, while investigations continue.
VANCOUVER – A tragic incident at a festival in British Columbia has resulted in the deaths of three Colombian family members among the eleven fatalities. Alejandro Samper, a local resident, confirmed the loss of his mother Glitza Maria Caicedo, his father Daniel Samper, and his sister Glitza Daniela Samper. The shocking vehicle ramming that took place on Saturday has left the community reeling and Samper searching for answers amidst his grief.
On Saturday, Samper received alarming news from his sister’s fiancé regarding a “terrible accident” and rushed to the scene, but was turned away by police. This left him feeling powerless and uncertain. He later went to Vancouver General Hospital where he learned of his sister’s passing early Sunday but has unfortunately yet to see his parents’ bodies, missing the chance to say farewell. In his words, his family was his “whole world,” and they had uprooted their lives to escape violence in Colombia, hoping for a better future in Canada.
In the wake of this devastating loss, Samper has initiated a GoFundMe campaign to support funeral expenses. Struggling to come to terms with the incident, he expressed disbelief after hearing about the alleged mental health issues of the suspected perpetrator, as well as the event’s lack of security barriers. “I’m just destroyed,” he shared. “My whole world’s taken away from me.”
Authorities have charged a 30-year-old man with eight counts of murder, noting that further charges are anticipated. This horrific attack not only resulted in numerous casualties but also left around thirty individuals hospitalized across the Lower Mainland, leading to a profound sense of unease and sorrow in the community.
Samper continues to grapple with many unanswered questions regarding the tragedy, particularly about the festival’s security arrangements. He highlighted that just a week prior, he attended a Vaisakhi event where protective measures were actively in place. He described his parents as the “nicest people” he knew, who tirelessly helped others, and noted the family’s close-knit bond.
In an emotional plea, Samper mentioned the ongoing bombardment of inquiries he has received since the tragedy and stressed the importance of raising awareness over the security shortcomings that allowed such a violent act to occur. He emphasized, “Where’s the security? Where were the police when this happened?” Meanwhile, the brother of another family victim, Toan Le, has also shared his loss; his brother Richard Le, along with Richard’s wife Linh Hoang and their five-year-old daughter Katie, also perished in the attack.
This unfolding story, already marked by deep tragedy, continues to raise significant questions about community safety and the need for better security measures at public events. As this report develops, many are left mourning their loved ones while looking for answers about this heartbreaking incident.
In summary, the tragic vehicle ramming incident at a Vancouver festival has claimed the lives of three family members from Colombia among a total of eleven victims. Alejandro Samper, who lost his parents and sister, is calling for better security at local events and seeking answers amid his grief. Meanwhile, police investigations are ongoing, with charges filed against a suspect. The community is left in shock, questioning the safety protocols of public gatherings.
Original Source: winnipegsun.com
