Vancouver Festival Attack Claims Lives of Colombian Family Members

Three Colombian immigrants from the same family died in a tragic Vancouver festival attack. Alejandro Samper, the son, mourns the loss of his mother, father, and sister among the eleven fatalities. Questions surrounding safety at the event and the suspect’s mental health have emerged, prompting an online fundraiser for the grieving family.

VANCOUVER – A tragic incident involving a vehicle rampage at a festival in Vancouver has claimed the lives of three family members from Colombia. Alejandro Samper, a resident of Metro Vancouver, has identified his mother Glitza Maria Caicedo, his father Daniel Samper, and his sister Glitza Daniela Samper as some of the eleven individuals who lost their lives in this horrific attack on Saturday.

Samper received a call from his sister’s fiancé who informed him of a “terrible accident.” Upon rushing to the scene, he was, unfortunately, denied entry by police. He later found himself at Vancouver General Hospital, where he learned of his sister’s passing early Sunday morning, but has yet to see the bodies of his parents.

The family, known for their close-knit bond, immigrated to Canada in the early 2000s in search of a better life and to escape the violence in Colombia. Samper expressed profound anguish over the loss, stating, “My whole world’s taken away from me.” He highlights how his parents sacrificed much for their children, feeling a deep loss for those who provided so much.

An online fundraiser has since been initiated on the GoFundMe platform to assist the grieving family. Samper struggles to comprehend the attack, particularly with details emerging about the suspect’s mental health issues and inadequate security measures at the event. “It just doesn’t make any sense. Canada is supposed to be a safe place,” he said, pointing to the lack of protective barriers at the festival.

Police have charged a 30-year-old man with eight counts of murder, with the possibility of more charges as the investigation unfolds. The incident has left about three dozen individuals hospitalized, alongside the eleven fatalities.

As he grapples with the loss of his parents and sister, Samper expressed frustration regarding the lack of security at the festival. He noted a prior festival he attended had barricades, raising questions about safety protocols in place. “They won’t let us see the bodies because everything’s under investigation,” he lamented, emphasizing his despair over not being able to say a final goodbye.

The tragedy extends beyond Samper’s family; another family recognized their loved ones amongst the victims. Toan Le identified his brother Richard Le, along with his wife Linh Hoang and their daughter Katie, who also perished in this attack.

In light of these events, Samper urges for accountability, demanding answers about security measures and the circumstances leading to the incident. “Where’s the security? Where were the police when this happened?” he questioned, advocating for necessary changes to ensure such a tragedy is not repeated.

This report by The Canadian Press was first published on April 29, 2025.

The attack at a Vancouver festival has caused immense grief, particularly for the family of Alejandro Samper, who lost three members. Samper has voiced concerns about safety protocols at community events, urging for enhanced measures to prevent future tragedies. The investigation continues, with police laying charges against a suspect in connection with this devastating incident. The necessity for understanding and addressing underlying issues, including mental health, is highlighted in the wake of this incident.

Original Source: winnipegsun.com