British actor Noel Johansen has spoken out through unimaginable grief after his wife, Jenifer Darbellay, was tragically killed when a car ploughed into a crowd during a festival in Vancouver.
The devastating incident happened at the Lapu Lapu Day Block Party, a celebration of Filipino heritage, held near East 41st Avenue and Fraser Street on Saturday evening. An Audi SUV suddenly rammed into the crowd, killing eleven people and injuring dozens more. Among the victims was 50-year-old Jenifer, a talented costume designer and devoted mum, reported the Mirror.
Noel, who’s known for his roles in shows like Psych, Supernatural, Fargo, and The Good Doctor, was also injured in the crash, as was his seven-year-old daughter Darby. His teenage son, Ford, 15, was also at the event. Still recovering, Noel showed up to a vigil on crutches, speaking bravely through tears to remember his wife and the love she gave.
“What you see here is an injury that means nothing to me because what’s inside my heart is broken,” he told those gathered, according to the PEOPLE.
He described Jenifer as someone who never saw herself as important, but who meant everything to those who knew her. “She never celebrated herself in her life. She never thought of herself; she thought of herself as small in terms of the reach. And I can tell you she was larger than life,” he said. He urged others not to “be small in life” and to “reach out as a human being with everything you have.”
Jenifer’s death has left an enormous hole in the lives of those closest to her. She was known as a creative force, a kind soul, and someone who made people feel truly seen. A GoFundMe campaign, launched by Noel’s friend and business partner Michael Daingerfield, is aiming to support the grieving family through what he described as “an incredibly difficult time.”
Michael wrote, “Jen was a one-of-a-kind. She was an incredibly thoughtful, warm, caring, smart, stylish, artistic woman. A gifted painter, a selfless mother, and a loving wife. She gave the best hugs… always there to listen without judgment.”
The tragedy has shaken the local community and beyond. Of the eleven killed, nine were women and two were men, ranging in age from just five to 65 years old. Around 100,000 people had turned out to enjoy the festivities before the horror unfolded.
Police have arrested a 30-year-old man in connection with the incident. Though the motive is still unclear, authorities have said the case is not being treated as terrorism. Several victims remain in critical or serious condition in the hospital.
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