Tumbler Ridge United in Grief and Resilience Following Deadly School Shooting

TUMBLER RIDGE, BC – The close-knit community of Tumbler Ridge, British Columbia, is grappling with unimaginable grief and seeking solace in unity, following a devastating school shooting on Tuesday, February 10, 2026, that left eight people dead, including six at Tumbler Ridge Secondary School, and 27 injured. The tragedy, one of the deadliest school attacks in Canadian history, has sent shockwaves across the nation, prompting an outpouring of support and national reflection on violence and community healing.

Tragedy Strikes a Quiet Town

The horrific events unfolded on Tuesday afternoon, beginning at a private residence before extending to Tumbler Ridge Secondary School. Authorities confirmed that 18-year-old Jesse Van Rootselaar, identified as a transgender woman with a history of mental health challenges, killed her mother, Jennifer Strang, and 11-year-old stepbrother, Emmett Jacobs, at their home. Van Rootselaar then proceeded to the secondary school, approximately 1.5 kilometers away, armed with multiple firearms, including a modified handgun and a long gun.

At the school, chaos erupted as Van Rootselaar opened fire, claiming the lives of five students and an education assistant. The student victims have been identified as Kylie Smith, Abel Mwansa, Zoey Benoit, and Ticaria Lampert, all 12 years old, and 13-year-old Ezekiel Schofield. Thirty-nine-year-old education assistant Shannda Aviugana-Durand was also among those killed at the school. Another 27 individuals sustained injuries, with 12-year-old Maya Gebala and 19-year-old Paige Hoekstra remaining hospitalized in Vancouver with bullet wounds. RCMP officers arrived at the scene within minutes of receiving reports of an active shooter, but the perpetrator died from a self-inflicted injury before their arrival. The British Columbia RCMP confirmed that forensic investigations are ongoing at both the school and the residence, examining the origins of the seized firearms and the shooter's motive.

A Nation Mourns, A Community Unites

In the immediate aftermath, Tumbler Ridge, a remote resource-based community of approximately 2,400 people nestled in the foothills of the Canadian Rockies, quickly rallied. Hundreds gathered at candlelight vigils, clutching photos of loved ones and seeking comfort in collective mourning. The immense grief was palpable, with many residents having personal connections to the victims in the tight-knit town.

The tragedy drew immediate national attention, with Prime Minister Mark Carney and Opposition Leader Pierre Poilievre traveling to Tumbler Ridge to offer their condolences and support. During a vigil, both leaders, joined by Indigenous officials, held hands in a powerful display of unity, emphasizing that Canada stands with the devastated community. Prime Minister Carney acknowledged the profound sorrow, stating that the nation mourns and has ordered flags to be lowered to half-staff for seven days. British Columbia Premier David Eby also visited the town, promising that students would not be forced to return to Tumbler Ridge Secondary School if they chose not to, highlighting the long-term emotional impact on survivors. The Canadian Red Cross has launched an appeal to provide immediate and long-term support to those affected, working to meet pressing needs and address the trauma within the community. Unions representing educators and first responders have also called for urgent action to strengthen school safety measures and mental health supports, recognizing the profound psychological toll on those who witnessed and responded to the violence.

Echoes of Past Pain: La Loche's Enduring Journey

The tragedy in Tumbler Ridge resonates deeply across Canada, particularly in communities that have endured similar horrors. Just weeks prior, on January 22, 2026, the northern Saskatchewan community of La Loche marked the 10-year anniversary of its own deadly school shooting. On that somber day in 2016, a then-17-year-old gunman killed two teenage brothers at home before proceeding to Dene High School, where he shot and killed teacher Adam Wood and teacher's assistant Marie Janvier, injuring seven others. A fifth victim, teacher Charlene Klyne, succumbed to injuries related to the shooting in 2023, underscoring the long shadow such events cast.

This year, for the first time in a decade, Dene High School remained open on the anniversary, transforming the day from one of closure into a "day of service" and remembrance. Community members gathered for a mass, lunch, and a formal ceremony that included moments of silence, speeches, and the presentation of carabiners inscribed with "Dene Strong," symbolizing their resilience. La Loche has spent a decade actively working through grief, implementing long-term wellness strategies, trauma-informed practices, and cultural programs aimed at healing and supporting its residents. The community's leaders and residents have expressed solidarity with Tumbler Ridge, understanding the arduous path of healing that lies ahead. Jason Young, Director of Education for the Northern Lights School Division, reflected on La Loche’s experience, noting that while initial support is strong, the journey of healing is a long and continuous one, and communities are eventually left to "pick up the pieces" on their own.

The Long Road to Healing and Prevention

The shootings in both Tumbler Ridge and La Loche underscore the enduring challenges Canadian communities face in the wake of such violence. While school shootings remain rare in Canada compared to some other nations, their impact is profound, prompting urgent calls for enhanced school safety measures, improved access to mental health services, and continued dialogue around gun control. The experiences of La Loche demonstrate that healing is not a finite process but an ongoing journey requiring sustained commitment and resources.

As Tumbler Ridge begins its own difficult path toward recovery, it draws strength from the unity shown by its residents and the support extended from across the country. The remembrance ceremonies, political engagement, and mental health initiatives currently underway are crucial first steps in helping the community navigate its profound loss. The collective hope is that lessons learned from tragedies like those in Tumbler Ridge and La Loche will continue to drive efforts to prevent future violence, support survivors, and foster resilience within Canadian communities. The names of those lost will be remembered not just in their hometowns, but across a nation forever changed by their absence.