Canadian tennis sensation Leylah Fernandez is known not just for her powerful backhand and fierce competitiveness, but also for her heartfelt compassion. Over the weekend, as news of the devastating car-ramming incident during the Lapu-Lapu Day celebration in Vancouver spread across Canada and beyond, Fernandez took to Instagram to express her deepest condolences.
Her words, shared with over 350,000 followers, struck a chord across communities, especially among Filipino-Canadians. This wasn’t just an athlete offering support it was a daughter of the culture, sharing in a nation's pain.
Canadian-Filipino tennis star Leylah Fernandez mourns the tragedy that happened during the Lapu-Lapu Day in Vancouver this weekend, leaving 11 dead.
— ABS-CBN News (@ABSCBNNews) April 29, 2025
Related: https://t.co/dSuHKjebBM pic.twitter.com/qs6epaQeRY
Held in Vancouver’s Sunset on Fraser neighborhood, the Lapu-Lapu Day festival was a vibrant celebration of Filipino heritage. Families gathered for a day of parades, film screenings, music, and dancing to honor Chief Lapulapu, the Indigenous warrior who defeated Ferdinand Magellan in 1521.
But joy quickly turned into horror.
On the evening of April 26, a black Audi SUV driven by 30-year-old Kai-Ji Adam Lo rammed into festivalgoers. In mere seconds, the street became a scene of chaos and heartbreak. Eleven people were killed and more than 30 were injured, including children and elderly attendees. The driver, with a history of mental health struggles and prior police interactions, has been charged with eight counts of second-degree murder. Authorities confirmed terrorism was not a motive.
Leylah Fernandez’s connection to the tragedy is deeply personal. Her mother is of Filipino descent, and Fernandez has often expressed pride in her cultural roots. In her Instagram post, she wrote:
"Absolutely devastated to hear about the death of my fellow Canadian-Filipinos... My heart goes to the families and the communities of the fallen victims. I love you all, stay strong, and I hope to see you soon."
Her message wasn’t just a formality it was a raw and emotional gesture that resonated deeply within the community.
This isn’t the first time Fernandez has used her platform for greater causes. Whether it’s promoting youth sports, supporting women’s rights, or uplifting immigrant communities, she consistently demonstrates that champions aren’t only defined by trophies.
Among the deceased were individuals ranging from 5 to 65 years old. One victim, Kira Salim, was a beloved teacher and community volunteer. Entire families were affected, and survivors are left grappling with both physical and emotional scars.
Within hours, candlelight vigils began appearing across Vancouver. Prime Minister Mark Carney visited the site, visibly emotional, and offered condolences:
"Those families are living every family's nightmare."
Nonprofits and grassroots organizations have launched relief efforts. Online fundraisers are now helping to cover hospital costs and funeral expenses.
With over 900,000 Filipino-Canadians, the Filipino community is one of the most prominent and active cultural groups in the country. Events like Lapu-Lapu Day aren’t just celebrations they’re opportunities to preserve and share identity.
Though shaken, this community remains resilient. Local leaders are calling for unity, justice, and better mental health interventions. The attack has reignited discussions on public safety and inclusivity, pressing national issues often overlooked.
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Public figures like Fernandez provide more than inspiration they provide connection. Her statement offered comfort when words felt impossible. For young Filipino-Canadians especially, she represents a powerful symbol of hope, pride, and perseverance.
More athletes are stepping into advocacy roles. From Naomi Osaka’s mental health awareness campaigns to Fernandez’s recent tribute, it’s clear that modern sports icons are shaping more than just games they’re shaping culture and compassion.
In the aftermath of unspeakable tragedy, voices like Leylah Fernandez’s remind us that humanity, compassion, and solidarity still shine through. The Lapu-Lapu Day tragedy will forever leave a scar, but it will also serve as a powerful reminder of resilience both of the Filipino community and of Canadians as a whole.
Leylah Fernandez is a professional Canadian tennis player, best known for reaching the US Open final in 2021. She is of Ecuadorian and Filipino heritage.
A vehicle plowed into a crowd during the celebration, killing 11 and injuring dozens. The suspect, Kai-Ji Adam Lo, has been arrested and charged.
The community has united through vigils, fundraising campaigns, and public support to help victims and their families.
No definitive motive has been released. Authorities confirmed it was not an act of terrorism but highlighted the suspect’s mental health history.
Fernandez expressed sorrow on Instagram, offering condolences to the victims and support to the Filipino-Canadian community.
