Tumbler Ridge Tragedy: A Community Shattered
It began like any ordinary day in Tumbler Ridge, British Columbia—a quiet mountain town where neighbors knew each other, and life moved at a steady, familiar pace. But by mid-afternoon on February 10, 2026, that sense of security was ripped apart. Gunfire, frantic calls, and lockdowns transformed the town of roughly 2,400 residents into a scene of chaos and grief.
Violence at Home
The deadly events started in the early afternoon at a residence on Fellers Avenue. According to the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP), 18-year-old Jesse Van Rootselaar killed two family members: his mother, Jennifer Jacobs, 39, and his stepbrother, Emmett Jacobs, 11. From there, he headed toward the local secondary school, setting the stage for the worst part of the attack.
Rampage at the School
Around 1:20 p.m., authorities received reports of an active shooter at Tumbler Ridge Secondary School, a small public school serving fewer than 200 students. Van Rootselaar entered armed with at least two firearms—a long gun and a modified handgun—and opened fire before police could intervene.
Inside the school, six people were killed: five students—Abel Mwansa, 12; Ezekiel Schofield, 13; Kylie Smith, 12; Zoey Benoit, 12; Ticaria Lampert, 12—and one adult educational assistant, Shannda Aviugana-Durand, 39. Multiple others were injured and rushed to local hospitals. The suspect was later found dead from an apparent self-inflicted gunshot wound.
Understanding the Suspect
Jesse Van Rootselaar, a former student of the school who had dropped out four years prior, had a documented history of mental health challenges.
Authorities confirmed multiple welfare visits to the family home over the years, and firearms had previously been seized under the Mental Health Act but later returned legally. Van Rootselaar was born biologically male but publicly identified as female on social media. Police have not identified a clear motive, and there is no evidence that any victims were specifically targeted.
Acts of Courage Amid Chaos
During the attack, students and staff worked quickly to protect themselves and one another. Classrooms were barricaded with furniture, and many students helped peers secure doors. Twelve-year-old Maya Gebala was critically injured while shielding classmates, exemplifying extraordinary bravery in the face of danger.
National and Local Response
Canada, where such attacks are rare, reacted with shock and sorrow. Prime Minister Mark Carney called it “a moment of deep national sorrow,” pledging federal support, while British Columbia Premier David Eby emphasized efforts to understand the tragedy, particularly regarding mental health awareness.
Locally, residents left flowers, candles, and notes in tribute to the victims. Public vigils, memorial hockey games, and prayer services honored the lives lost. Messages of solidarity poured in from across the country, reflecting how deeply small-town tragedies resonate nationally.
The Human Toll
The victims were remembered as dreamers, friends, and bright young members of the community. Families, classmates, and teachers described the profound loss, emphasizing how a single day irrevocably altered lives.
Aftermath and Moving Forward
Investigations continue into how the attack unfolded, including weapon acquisition and potential warning signs. While no manifesto or clear motive has emerged, the shooting has reignited national debates on school safety, mental health support, and firearm regulations.
Tumbler Ridge schools were temporarily closed, and mental health professionals were deployed to support survivors, families, and first responders. Community resilience has been central to coping with the grief, with neighbors and local organizations providing aid and solidarity.
Conclusion
The Tumbler Ridge tragedy is a stark reminder of life’s fragility and the critical importance of mental health awareness. Beyond law enforcement and investigations, the focus remains on compassion, community support, and meaningful action to prevent similar tragedies. As the town and the nation mourn, the hope is that lessons learned will lead to stronger protections, earlier interventions, and healing for all affected.