Devastation in Tumbler Ridge: A Community Shattered by Mass Violence
It was supposed to be another quiet winter day in Tumbler Ridge, a small remote community in northeastern British Columbia, Canada, when calm was abruptly replaced with terror and disbelief. A town once known for close-knit familiarity now faces profound loss, unanswered questions, and the long road toward healing after one of the deadliest mass shootings in recent Canadian history.
The Tragedy
On February 10, 2026, at approximately mid-afternoon, 18-year-old Jesse Van Rootselaar carried out a deadly rampage beginning at a private residence and continuing at Tumbler Ridge Secondary School. Before traveling to the school, Van Rootselaar fatally shot her mother and her 11-year-old half-brother at their home. She then headed to the nearby secondary school, where multiple victims were shot.
Police later located Van Rootselaar dead from an apparently self-inflicted gunshot wound. Authorities recovered a long gun and a modified firearm at the scene and continue to investigate how she obtained them.
Lives Lost and Injured
The confirmed death toll includes:
Multiple students aged 12 and 13, who were at school when the shooting occurred.
A 39-year-old education assistant known for her dedication to her students.
Two family members of the shooter at the residence.
Her attack injured dozens more, with at least 27 people treated for wounds ranging from minor to severe.
Victims were remembered by neighbors, friends, and family as bright, curious, and full of potential. Empty desks and silent hallways now serve as stark reminders of lives cut tragically short.
Community Response and Grief
Tumbler Ridge has responded with heart-felt solidarity and mourning:
Memorials have sprung up across the town—flowers, candles, and handwritten notes line streets and school grounds.
Vigils and prayer gatherings bring residents together to support one another.
Trauma counselors and specialists are on site to help students, teachers, and families cope.
School District No. 59 announced that students will not return to the current school site as part of long-term planning due to the emotional impact.
Parents, educators, and community leaders are urging care, connection, and shared compassion as families confront both loss and lingering fear.
Complications Beyond the Shooting
In the weeks following the tragedy, officials confirmed that some families have faced online harassment and threats, forcing parents to relocate temporarily for safety.
The RCMP is actively investigating these threats and working with local leaders to ensure community protection.
Ongoing Investigation
Authorities continue to gather physical and digital evidence, including online activity connected to Van Rootselaar prior to the shootings. This has prompted discussions at national and provincial levels about safety, mental health warning signs, and how technology platforms escalate concerns to law enforcement.
Healing and Hope
Despite profound grief, resilience is emerging through shared support and collective care. Neighbors are bringing meals, volunteering time, and offering steadiness amid uncertainty. Families of victims are connecting, encouraging one another, and finding moments of strength even as many wounds remain raw.
Conclusion
The Tumbler Ridge tragedy illustrates how quickly peace can be shattered and a community upended. While grief lingers, and many questions remain unanswered, the response has underscored the power of compassion, unity, and resilience. In the face of unimaginable loss, neighbors, educators, and loved ones stand together—determined to honor memories and protect the next generation. Their journey through sorrow toward healing remains a testament to the endurance of the human spirit.