Vancouver Police forensics comb the scene after a vehicle plowed into a crowd at a Lapu Lapu Day festival, leaving 11 dead and dozens injured. Shock and sorrow ripple through Canada’s Filipino community. The Canadian Press
Police have confirmed that the man accused of the Vancouver Festival Tragedy is connected to a past family tragedy.
Thirty-year-old Adam Kai-Ji Lo, charged with eight counts of second-degree murder, is the brother of Alexander Lo. Alexander was killed in an unrelated homicide in January last year.
A Family Already Torn by Loss Along with the Vancouver Festival Tragedy
After his brother's death, Adam Lo organized a fundraiser for funeral expenses. The campaign described Alexander’s killing as a "senseless act of violence."
Despite their "disagreements," Adam admitted the loss had struck him with "overwhelming force." The fundraiser was later removed from the GoFundMe platform.
In his post, Adam wrote about his deep regret. "I'm burdened with remorse for not spending more time with him," he shared.
He also reflected on his mother’s devastation. "The painful reality is that he won't be returning," he wrote, describing his mother's heartbreak.
More Heartache Months Later
In September 2024, Adam launched another fundraising campaign, this time for his mother.
He revealed she had struggled financially and emotionally since Alexander’s death. According to Adam, his mother faced "immense bills" and difficulty finding stable work.
Tragically, Adam found her unconscious in bed one day. She was rushed to the hospital after a suspected overdose.
"I feared I had lost the only family member I have left," he shared in the second fundraiser.
Adam said he sought donations to help his mother regain financial stability and emotional peace.
Legal Proceedings and Police Encounters
Dwight Kematch was arrested at the scene where Alexander Lo's body was discovered. He was charged with second-degree murder in November. However, court details remain sealed under a publication ban.
Kematch has pleaded not guilty. His lawyer has not responded to requests for comment.
Meanwhile, Vancouver Police shed light on Adam Lo’s troubled background.
Interim Police Chief Steve Rai revealed that Adam had previous interactions with law enforcement and mental health professionals.
Police Had Recent Contact With Lo
Sgt. Steve Addison shared additional information during a news briefing on Monday.
He confirmed that police from a neighbouring jurisdiction interacted with Adam just a day before the Vancouver Festival Tragedy.
The nature of the interaction was not criminal and did not warrant a mental health intervention, Sgt. Addison stated.
More Charges Likely
Police say additional charges are expected as the investigation continues.
The deadly incident has left the city shaken, and questions are mounting about whether more could have been done to prevent the tragedy.
