Noel Johansen: Hallmark star shares heartbreaking tribute after wife killed in Vancouver car attack
A Hallmark star has spoken of his anguish after his wife died in the horrific Vancouver car ramming attack.
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.
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“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.
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.”
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.
