In a tragic turn of events, Kai-Ji Adam Lo, 30, has been charged in connection with a deadly incident at the 2nd Lapu Lapu Day Block Party in Vancouver. The horrific tragedy occurred on the evening of April 26, 2025, when a black Audi SUV plowed through a crowd of festival-goers just after a performance by Black Eyed Peas’ Apl.de.ap. The SUV was traveling eastbound on East 43rd Avenue, near Fraser Street, when it struck dozens of people, including children and at least one baby.
The driver, identified as Kai-Ji Adam Lo, was apprehended by bystanders at the scene. Vancouver police confirmed that Lo is known to law enforcement and has a history of interactions related to mental health issues. Lo is now facing eight counts of second-degree murder, with further charges possibly pending. Police have stated that Lo is not considered a terrorist, but his significant history of mental health challenges is central to the investigation.
Tragic Loss for the Lo Family
The shocking events have left the community in disbelief, particularly the family of Kai-Ji Adam Lo. His brother, Alexander Lo, 31, was murdered earlier this year in a separate tragedy on January 28, 2024. Alexander Lo was found dead at a home near Knight Street and East 33rd Avenue, where Dwight William Kematch, 39, was arrested and charged with second-degree murder in connection with his death. The loss of Alexander has left a profound impact on the Lo family, with Adam Lo expressing his heartbreak publicly following his brother’s death.
In a crowdfunding campaign to cover funeral expenses for his brother, Adam wrote, “It pains me deeply to put these words down, but my brother has been taken from us in a senseless act of violence, something we never saw coming. Our reality has abruptly shifted. Despite our disagreements, the harsh truth that he’s no longer with us hits me with an overwhelming force.”
The tragedy of Alexander’s death was compounded by the emotional toll it took on their mother, who later attempted suicide, further deepening the family’s grief.
The Lapu Lapu Day Block Party Tragedy
The Lapu Lapu Day Block Party, an event celebrating Vancouver’s Filipino community, was supposed to be a joyous occasion, drawing in people from across the city. The party, attended by a significant portion of Vancouver’s Filipino population, was taking place when the SUV veered through a barricade that had been moved to allow cars to exit slowly as the event was winding down.
Witnesses report seeing the driver acting erratically, and videos from the scene show the moments of chaos that followed. Police say the vehicle ran over several people before being stopped. The deployment of airbags at the crash site was one of the first signs of the violence, and emergency responders rushed to the scene to treat the wounded.
At least 11 people are confirmed dead, with two dozen others injured, some critically. The victims included people from various age groups, with reports indicating that children were among those struck. The incident has shocked the community, with residents and officials expressing their horror over the random and brutal nature of the attack.
A Community in Mourning
The tragedy has deeply shaken not only the Filipino community but the entire city of Vancouver. The Lapu Lapu Day Block Party, an event that should have celebrated culture and community, turned into a nightmare that will be remembered as one of the darkest days in the city’s recent history.
Political leaders, including NDP leader Jagmeet Singh, who had visited the event earlier that day, have expressed their condolences and pledged to support the families of the victims. Singh was seen at the NDP booth earlier in the day, unaware that tragedy would soon strike.
The Vancouver Police Department continues to investigate the incident, and officials have promised to provide updates as the situation develops. For now, the focus remains on the victims, their families, and the community as they begin to process the enormity of what has occurred.
The Impact of Mental Health Issues
While the details surrounding Adam Lo’s actions on the night of the tragedy are still under investigation, the significant role mental health plays in this case is undeniable. Lo’s history of mental health challenges and his connection to previous police interactions are at the forefront of the investigation. Mental health experts and advocates have called for greater awareness and support for individuals struggling with mental illness, especially in light of the devastating events that unfolded in Vancouver.
As the Lo family grapples with the loss of two brothers in a span of just a few months, the community remains in shock, offering support and condolences to those affected. The Lo family’s pain is compounded by the senselessness of the violence and the emotional toll it has taken on their lives.
Conclusion
The city of Vancouver is reeling from the tragic deaths and injuries that resulted from the events at the Lapu Lapu Day Block Party. With Kai-Ji Adam Lo now facing charges in connection with the deaths of at least eight people, the investigation is ongoing. The Lo family, still mourning the murder of Alexander Lo earlier this year, has found itself in the unimaginable position of coping with yet another tragedy. As the community comes together to mourn, they also call for justice, healing, and greater attention to the importance of mental health support. The Lo family’s loss is a reminder of the fragility of life and the devastating impact of violence on families and communities.