A profound sense of grief has enveloped the small northern community of Tumbler Ridge following the horrific mass shooting on February 10, 2026. The magnitude of the tragedy has sent shockwaves not only through the immediate area but across all of Canada, leaving families, friends, and neighbors struggling to comprehend the senseless violence that has forever altered their lives. Authorities have now officially released the identities of the eight victims lost in a rampage that has been described as one of the darkest days in Canadian history, underscoring the devastating impact on both a local and national scale.
The Timeline of Terror
The chain of violence began in the early hours at a private residence on Fellers Avenue, where the 18-year-old shooter, Jesse Van Rootselaar, carried out the first part of her deadly plan. There, she fatally shot her own mother, Jennifer Jacobs, aged 39, as well as her younger brother, Emmett Jacobs, who was just 11 years old. The close-knit neighborhood, accustomed to peace and familiarity, was suddenly thrust into chaos and fear as word of the tragedy spread.
Without hesitation, the suspect then drove to Tumbler Ridge Secondary School, marking a chilling escalation in her actions. Upon arrival, she entered the building and opened fire in both the library and stairwell areas, locations that are normally safe havens for learning and friendship. The attack claimed the lives of a dedicated educator and five young students, shattering the sense of safety that the school community once took for granted. As law enforcement officers moved in to contain the situation, the shooter ultimately took her own life, bringing an abrupt and tragic end to the rampage.
Remembering the Victims
The Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) has now identified the victims at the school, most of whom were just beginning their teenage years, their lives filled with promise and potential that will now never be realized. Among them was Shannda Aviugana-Durand, 39, a beloved Educational Assistant known by colleagues and students alike for her unwavering support, compassion, and dedication to creating an inclusive environment for all learners.
The young victims include Kylie Smith, Zoey Benoit, and Ticaria Lampert, each just 12 years old, described by their grieving families as “vibrant” and “full of dreams”—children whose futures held endless opportunities and who have now been taken from their loved ones far too soon. Abel Mwansa, also 12, was known as a passionate soccer player and a friend to all, whose energy and kindness left a mark on everyone he met. Ezekiel Schofield, aged 13, was remembered as a gentle soul, with his grandfather expressing the family’s anguish, calling the loss an “unending nightmare” that words cannot fully capture.
A Glimmer of Hope Amidst the Pain
Amidst this overwhelming sorrow, the nation’s hopes are focused on Maya Gebala, a 12-year-old student who is currently fighting for her life in a Vancouver hospital. Maya suffered critical injuries to her head and neck and remains in intensive care; nevertheless, in the last 24 hours, her doctors have observed slight physical responses, providing a small but significant glimmer of hope to her family and the broader community. Maya’s bravery is matched by her classmates, who, in a remarkable act of courage, risked their own lives to carry her to safety during the chaos of the shooting. These students are now being hailed as heroes, their selflessness a testament to the strength and solidarity that tragedy can sometimes reveal.
Outcry Over “Systemic Failure”
The massacre has sparked an intense national debate and widespread outrage over what many are calling a “systemic failure” in Canada’s approach to mental health care and firearm regulation. Official investigations have revealed that the shooter had a significant criminal record, including documented mental health crises and episodes of drug-induced psychosis, raising urgent questions about the adequacy of existing safeguards.
Particularly, public anger has intensified around the revelation that firearms previously seized by police during a 2024 intervention were later returned to the household, a decision now being scrutinized as a critical lapse. In response, Prime Minister Mark Carney has called for an emergency session in Parliament, vowing to “address the cracks in our system that allowed this ‘ticking time bomb’ to go unnoticed.” The call for accountability and legislative reform is growing louder each day.
Community Response
In the face of such loss, the people of Tumbler Ridge are coming together to grieve and remember those taken from them. A massive makeshift memorial has grown outside the school gates, adorned with flowers, hockey sticks, art supplies, handwritten notes, and other tokens of love and remembrance. The display stands as a powerful symbol of both mourning and unity, drawing visitors from across the region and beyond.
A national moment of silence has been scheduled for Monday, giving all Canadians the opportunity to honor the victims and show solidarity with the grieving community. As Tumbler Ridge prepares for a series of funerals that will likely see thousands in attendance, the town finds itself at the center of a national conversation about safety, prevention, and the healing journey that lies ahead.