Who Is Kai-Ji Adam Lo? Full Profile of Vancouver Lapu Lapu Festival SUV Crash Suspect

SUV Attack at Vancouver Filipino Festival Leaves 9 Dead, 6 Injured — What We Know

Driver's Health Crisis Causes Deadly Crash at Vancouver Filipino Festival: 9 Dead

As Vancouver mourns the tragic loss of 11 lives at the Lapu Lapu Day Festival, increasing attention has turned to Kai-Ji Adam Lo, the man behind the devastating SUV crash. Comprehensive reports now provide a deeper understanding of Lo’s background, personal struggles, and the tragic circumstances that led to the event.

Read more: Vancouver Attack: Full List of 11 Victims Lost in the Lapu Lapu Festival Tragedy

The Vancouver Police identified Kai-Ji Adam Lo as the suspect in the Lapu Lapu Festival crash that killed 11 people

Who Is Kai-Ji Adam Lo?

Kai-Ji Adam Lo, 30, is a lifelong Vancouver resident described by neighbors as reserved and introverted. He lived a quiet life but had increasingly been on police radar due to concerns over his mental and physical health.

Lo had no criminal record but was "known" to police for several non-criminal wellness checks. Authorities confirmed that his interactions with law enforcement intensified over the past year, linked to deteriorating mental health following a major personal loss.

Mental Health Struggles After Brother’s Death

Lo's mental health reportedly spiraled downward after the violent death of his older brother, Alexander Lo. In a heartfelt message on a fundraiser page, Lo shared his devastation:

"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."

Alexander Lo was murdered in 2024. A 39-year-old man, Dwight William Kematch, was arrested and charged with Alexander’s killing. Family friends say the trauma profoundly affected Kai-Ji, leading to increased isolation, emotional volatility, and documented episodes of significant mental distress.

The Vancouver Sun reported that Kai-Ji Adam Lo had multiple police interactions over the last year, centered around concerns for his psychological well-being.

The driver who allegedly plowed his SUV into a Vancouver Filipino festival on Saturday, killing at least nine

What Happened at the Lapu Lapu Festival?

Shortly after 8 p.m. on Saturday, April 26, 2025, Lo was driving a black Audi SUV near East 41st Avenue and Fraser Street, where the Lapu Lapu Day Block Party was underway. Witnesses reported seeing the vehicle behaving erratically moments before it plowed into the crowd.

Festival-goers described scenes of chaos as the SUV struck multiple pedestrians. 11 people were killed, including seniors and a young child, and several others were seriously injured. Bystanders apprehended Lo at the scene until police arrived.

Motive and Cause Confirmed

Following an extensive investigation, the Vancouver Police Department concluded that the crash was not an act of terrorism, hate, or criminal violence. Instead, it was the result of a "serious acute medical episode" experienced by Lo.

Chief Adam Palmer emphasized during a press conference:

"This was a medical tragedy, not an intentional act. There is no evidence suggesting terrorism, impairment, or criminal motive."

Sources familiar with the investigation suggest Lo may have suffered a seizure or cardiac event, leading to sudden loss of vehicle control.

Driver, 30, plows SUV into crowd at Vancouver Filipino festival, killing multiple people

Community Impact

The Lapu Lapu Day Festival, celebrating a Philippine national hero, was officially recognized by British Columbia in 2023 and is a major cultural event for the Filipino-Canadian community.

Prime Minister Mark Carney, Vancouver Mayor Ken Sim, and BC Premier David Eby all issued statements mourning the victims and pledging support. Community groups have mobilized counseling services and organized vigils to honor those lost.

Meanwhile, Vancouver city officials have pledged a full review of public event security measures. Critics noted that there were no heavy vehicle barriers at the festival site—standard at larger public gatherings—which may have prevented the crash’s scale.

Investigation Continues

The SUV used in the attack on Saturday that killed at least 11, and injured dozens

Police are continuing to gather witness testimonies, CCTV footage, and forensic data. Kai-Ji Adam Lo remains in custody under medical supervision while final assessments are made.

Authorities stress that public safety is not at risk, but the tragedy has reignited discussions around mental health support, event safety, and crisis intervention strategies.