Hallmark Actor Delivers Heartbreaking Tribute to Wife Killed in Vancouver Festival Tragedy
Just days after losing his beloved wife in a horrific tragedy, Hallmark actor Noel Johansen delivered a powerful and tearful tribute at a public vigil in Vancouver, Canada. His wife, 50-year-old costume designer Jenifer Darbellay, was among the eleven lives lost when an Audi SUV barreled into a crowd gathered to celebrate Lapu Lapu Day—a festival honoring Filipino heritage.
The heartbreaking incident occurred around 8 p.m. on Saturday, when a mentally ill driver drove into the densely packed street festival. Dozens more were injured in the chaos, including Johansen himself and their 7-year-old daughter, Darby. His 15-year-old son, Ford, was also in attendance.
Despite his own physical injuries, the British-born actor—known for his roles in Psych, Supernatural, Fargo, The Good Doctor, and numerous Hallmark Channel favorites like When Calls the Heart and Chesapeake Shores—stood on crutches before the grieving community on Monday night, his voice cracking with emotion.
“What you see here,” he said, gesturing to his visible injuries, “means nothing to me—because what’s inside my heart is broken.”
He revealed that his wife died just behind him during the incident. In a moving reflection, he shared, “She never celebrated herself. She never saw herself as someone with reach. But for anyone who knew her, she was larger than life.”
Johansen urged those in attendance—and anyone hearing his words—to honor her legacy by living boldly and compassionately: “Don’t be small in life. Be big. Reach out as a human being with everything you have. And please—please remember us who went through this.”
Darbellay’s legacy as a devoted wife, mother, and behind-the-scenes creative force in the film industry was palpable in the sorrow and solidarity expressed by attendees and fans alike. Her husband’s heartfelt words served not only as a tribute to her life, but as a call for kindness and human connection in the face of senseless tragedy.
