Hallmark star speaks after wife dies in car ramming horror
Noel Johansen was with his family at the Lapu-Lapu event celebrating Filipino culture when an SUV ploughed into the crowd, killing his wife, Jen Darbellay, and 10 others.
At a vigil in Canada, a devastated Johansen, who appeared opposite Blake Lively in Age of Adaline and in several Hallmark and Lifetime movies, told mourners how the tragedy had unfolded.
He said Ms Darbellay was just metres behind him and their children when the SUV struck and it 'felt like a 'giant tidal wave'.
'It hit us before we knew. I was falling in slow motion trying to save my head from smashing in the pavement.'
Johansen and son, Ford, 15, and daughter Darby, 7 were all injured in the attack. Noel Johansen with wife Jen Darbellay. Credit: The Nightly Noel Johansen at a vigil in Vancouver. Credit: Lindsey Wasson / AP
Propped up on crutches, Johansen described his wife as a selfless, creative and empathetic person.
'She never thought of herself; she thought of herself as small in terms of the reach,' The Sun reports.
'And I can tell you she was larger than life for any of you who know her.' Eleven people died in the attack. Credit: Unknown / X formerly Twitter The SUV ploughed through crowds at the festival. Credit: Unknown / X formerly Twitter
Close friend and business partner, Michael Daingerfield Hall, has set up a GoFundMe for the actor and his children.
'This is an incredibly difficult time for Noel, and moving forward with his life is going to feel insurmountable. I know that his work will undoubtedly be affected and I would really like for him and his family to be supported during this time,' he wrote.
He went on to say Ms Darbelly was '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, was always there to listen without judgement, and had the sweetest voice,' Mr Hall wrote.
Kai-Ji Adam Lo, 30, has been charged with eight counts of second degree murder and more charges are possible.
Investigators ruled out terrorism and said Lo had a history of mental health issues.
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