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A cherished British actor has expressed a sorrowful tribute to his “larger than life” wife who tragically died when a car drove into crowds in Vancouver.
Hallmark star Noel Johansen was present with his family at the Lapu Lapu festival over the weekend when a crazed SUV driver caused the deaths of 11 people and injured many others.
Noel, known for his roles in popular shows like Fargo and The Good Doctor, spoke to a large gathering of mourners as he bid farewell to his costume designer wife Jenifer.
The happily married couple were at the street celebration along with seven-year-old daughter, Darby and 15-year-old son Ford, 15.
But just before 8:15pm on Saturday, the 50-year-old mum was hit by a speeding car and suffered fatal injuries.
Noel held back tears at the vigil in Canada as he explained how Jenifer was stood just feet behind him and the kids when the deadly crash took place.
The London-based actor said: “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 for any of you who know her.”
He went on to describe her as a selfless, creative and empathetic person.
Noel was on crutches as he spoke to other mourners due to injuries he also suffered in the collision.
The devastated dad made it clear that his worst injury is a broken heart.
Both children were left with minor bruises.
Recalling the moment the car smashed into the family, Noel said 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,” he added.
A GoFundMe page has also been set up by the actor’s friend and business partner Michael Daingerfield.
Jen was a one-of-a-kind. She was an incredibly thoughtful, warm, caring, smart, stylish, artistic woman
Michael Daingerfield
Over 1,700 people have raised over £92,000 so far to help the Johansen family.
Michael also left a touching tribute to Jenifer as he set up the page.
He said: “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, was always there to listen without judgement, and had the sweetest voice.”
Since the horror evening, a suspect has been charged with eight counts of second degree murder.
Cops arrested Kai-Ji Adam Lo, 30, and warned “further charges are anticipated”.
It comes after eyewitnesses revealed the terrifying moment an Audi hit a crowd of “hundreds” at the Lapu Lapu festival.
Horrifying footage showed victims and debris strewn across the road – with at least seven people lying on the ground.
Among those killed included a five-year-old and a 65-year-old.
Other clips appeared to show festival-goers trying to help those on the floor.
Emergency services were also seen working at the scene following the harrowing incident.
A black Audi with a mangled bonnet was later seen in the street after the crash.
The force insisted that the incident was not being treated as a terrorist attack.
The investigation remains ongoing, and police have asked anyone with information to contact them.
