A proposed class action lawsuit has been filed in British Columbia Supreme Court on behalf of victims who suffered devastating injuries during a violent stabbing attack at a Lapu-Lapu Day celebration in Vancouver's Stanley Park.
The legal action targets the alleged attacker, 41-year-old Yevgeny Kulesh, along with the event organizers behind the Filipino cultural celebration that turned tragic on April 27, 2024. The lawsuit alleges negligence and seeks compensation for the physical and psychological trauma inflicted upon multiple victims.
Multiple Victims, Lasting Trauma
Among the plaintiffs is a 45-year-old woman who suffered life-altering injuries, including severed tendons in her hand that required extensive surgery. The attack left her with permanent physical limitations and profound emotional distress that continues to impact her daily life and ability to work.
"The psychological scars run as deep as the physical ones," the court documents reveal, describing how victims now struggle with anxiety, fear of public spaces, and recurring nightmares about the violent incident.
Allegations of Negligence
The lawsuit claims the event organizers failed to provide adequate security measures for the cultural celebration, which attracted hundreds of attendees to the popular Vancouver park. The legal filing argues that proper safety protocols could have prevented or minimized the violence that unfolded.
Meanwhile, Kulesh faces multiple criminal charges including aggravated assault and assault with a weapon. The proposed class action represents a parallel civil pursuit of justice for those whose lives were permanently changed during what should have been a joyful community gathering.
Community Impact and Legal Process
The attack has sent shockwaves through Vancouver's Filipino community, raising important questions about event safety in public spaces. The Lapu-Lapu Day celebration, which honors a Filipino national hero, has been an important cultural tradition for local families.
The proposed class action must still be certified by the court before proceeding. If approved, it could potentially include all individuals who suffered physical or psychological harm during the Stanley Park attack, creating a collective path toward accountability and healing.
