TUMBLER RIDGE, British Columbia — Grief continues to ripple through the tight-knit community of Tumbler Ridge following the deadly school shooting on February 10, 2026, as families begin to publicly identify and honor the young lives lost.
Among the victims was 12-year-old Abel Mwansa Junior, a student at Tumbler Ridge Secondary School.
His father, Abel Mwansa Sr., shared an emotional tribute describing the moment he learned his son had been shot inside his classroom.
In a public message, he wrote that his son had left for school that morning full of promise, calling him a future leader, engineer, and scientist who loved conducting experiments and explaining how things worked.
Abel Mwansa Sr. said his wife, Shakainah, and siblings Jasail and other family members are struggling to process the sudden loss.
Authorities confirmed that six people were killed at the school, while additional victims were found deceased at a nearby residence connected to the case.
The Royal Canadian Mounted Police identified 18-year-old Jesse Van Rootselaar as the alleged gunman.
Investigators stated that Van Rootselaar was found deceased at the scene with what appeared to be a self-inflicted injury.
Police also confirmed that two individuals were found dead at a home in Tumbler Ridge, and officials are investigating the connection between the residential deaths and the school shooting.
Another 12-year-old student, Maya Gebala, survived the attack but remains in critical condition.
She was transported to BC Children’s Hospital in Vancouver after sustaining gunshot wounds to the head and neck.
Her mother, Cia, has been sharing updates from the hospital, describing her daughter’s condition as life-threatening.
A relative, Krysta Hunt, confirmed that Maya underwent surgery to address a brain bleed and remains under intensive medical care as doctors monitor her recovery.
According to the Royal Canadian Mounted Police, officers responded to reports of an active shooter at approximately 1:20 p.m. local time.
Around 100 students and staff were evacuated under police escort. Investigators said early emergency alerts described the suspect before more information became available, and authorities have since clarified the identity of the alleged gunman.
Officials have not yet released a confirmed motive.
The investigation remains ongoing as forensic teams continue processing both the school and the related residential crime scene.
Community members have gathered in vigils and memorials, expressing solidarity with the affected families.
Tumbler Ridge, a town of roughly 2,400 residents, is now confronting one of the deadliest school shootings in Canadian history.
Law enforcement officials, including representatives of the Royal Canadian Mounted Police, have pledged continued transparency and support for the grieving families as the community begins the long process of healing.
