A Black Eyed Peas star has released a statement revealing they were just minutes away from being caught up in the tragedy at a festival in Vancouver.
Over the weekend, a car drove through the crowd at Lapu-Lapu Festival, a Filipino community party, killing 11 people. One of the victims was a five-year-old girl.
Police were called to the scene just after 8pm on Saturday, with interim police chief Steve Rai later describing it as the ‘darkest day in Vancouver’s history’.
A 30-year-old man named Kai-Ji Adam Lo has since been charged with eight counts of second-degree murder, having appeared in court late on Sunday before he was returned to custody.
On Monday, Black Eyed Peas member Apl.de.ap, 50, shared a message on Instagram, having performed at the festival.
‘Our hearts are broken for the victims, their families, and everyone affected by the tragedy at the Lapu-Lapu Festival,’ the statement began.
‘J-Rey and I had just finished performing and left the stage minutes before it happened.
‘It’s hard to describe the shock and the heaviness we feel.’
The post continued: ‘Thank you to everyone who’s checked in – your love means the world.
‘Please keep the victims, their families, and the organisers in your prayers. They all need the love and strength right now.’
Apl.de.ap – real name Allan Pineda Lindo – concluded: ‘The one thing I have noticed – from the audience to the messages sent around, is the sense of community that wraps its loving arms around us. We love you all.’
In the caption of the post, Apl.de.ap details of organisations offering support, including BC Victim Services, the BC Crisis Line, and the VPD Victim Services Unit.
J. Rey Soul – full name Jessica Joy Seria Reynoso – also commented: ‘We came to Vancouver to celebrate and be with our community.. devastated beyond words to learn about the tragedy that unfolded. Still in shock.’
‘Thoughts and prayers to everyone and all the families affected. Sending love and prayers to all the Filipinos in BC 🙏🏽’, the 27-year-old singer concluded.
J. Rey has been collaborating with the Black Eyed Peas since 2018, having first got to know Apl.de.ap on The Voice of the Philippines when he was her coach.
Then, seven years ago, she replaced Fergie as a semi-official member of the Where Is The Love? hitmaking band.
Elsewhere in the comments, Black Eyed Peas fans expressed their devastation and thanked the group for their words.
‘Thank you for bringing strength to our community 🙏🏼❤️’, commented @kirshnalynne.
‘came out to see you both last night. fortunately, I left right after you wrapped up. thank you for coming out for the event and standing in solidarity with our people 💜’, wrote @a.foodie.traveler.
The horrific incident took place just as organisers had started removing barricades to clean up the aftermath of the celebrations.
After the black SUV ploughed through revellers, dozens were injured. Officials have warned that the death toll is still likely to rise.
Got a story?
If you’ve got a celebrity story, video or pictures get in touch with the Metro.co.uk entertainment team by emailing us celebtips@metro.co.uk, calling 020 3615 2145 or by visiting our Submit Stuff page – we’d love to hear from you.