On the afternoon of February 10, 2026, the quiet and close‑knit mountain community of Tumbler Ridge, British Columbia (population ~2,700).
Was struck by a tragedy that has shaken residents, families, and the entire nation of Canada. What was once a town known for its scenic landscapes, strong community ties, and peaceful way of life became the site of one of the deadliest acts of mass violence in modern Canadian history.
The events unfolded quickly and with shocking ferocity, leaving nine people dead, including the suspected shooter, and dozens more injured — both physically and emotionally.
In the days that followed, Tumbler Ridge has been marked by grief, memorials, solemn vigils, and fundamental questions about loss, community resilience, and how to prevent future tragedies.
A Tranquil Town Torn Apart
Tumbler Ridge is a small remote community nestled in the foothills of northeastern British Columbia. For generations, families in the region have shared deep bonds formed through school events, local sports, outdoor recreation, and long winters spent together.
The interconnectedness of neighbors is part of daily life — where children know one another by name and parents greet each other warmly at the grocery store or community center.
Yet on that Tuesday afternoon shortly after 1:20 p.m. local time, an active shooter alert would shatter that sense of security.
Residents heard the first reports of gunfire near a home on Fellers Avenue — a quiet residential street — shortly before the suspect entered nearby Tumbler Ridge Secondary School, a place where students learn, gather, and imagine their futures.
How the Tragedy Unfolded
According to the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) and official emergency records:
-
The suspected gunman — **18‑year‑old Jesse Van Rootselaar — first shot and killed their 39‑year‑old mother and their 11‑year‑old half‑brother at a private residence.
-
Soon afterward, the suspect drove or walked to Tumbler Ridge Secondary School, a building that serves students from grades 8 through 12.
-
Once inside the school, the assailant opened fire, killing five students — all aged 12 to 13, and a 39‑year‑old educational assistant who was inside the building at the time.
-
In total, six victims were found dead at the school, and two victims were found dead at the residence. The suspect was later found dead from an apparent self‑inflicted gunshot wound at the school.
-
At least 27 people were injured, many of them students and staff who were present when the attack occurred.
Within minutes of the first emergency calls, RCMP officers responded to the active shooter situation. Police entered the building despite gunfire and began evacuating students and staff, prioritizing safety amid chaos and uncertainty.
Students were guided out of the school with their hands up, snow crunching underneath their feet, as alarms blared and helicopters hovered overhead.
This incident marked one of the deadliest mass shootings in Canada in recent years, rivaling major tragedies such as the February 2018 Nova Scotia shootings and the 1989 École Polytechnique massacre in Montreal.
Remembering the Victims
In the aftermath, families, classmates, and community members have shared poignant remembrances of lives lost — each one irreplaceable and with its own story.
Young Lives Lost
The students who were killed are being remembered as bright, curious, and full of potential:
-
A group of friends who loved science, music, and sports.
-
Children who were known for their kindness and generosity by teachers and parents alike.
-
Dreams of future achievements, graduation celebrations, first jobs, and university aspirations now left unfulfilled.
One family identified 12‑year‑old Kylie May Smith, described as a gentle and joyful spirit who lit up rooms with her laughter and kindness.
Another young victim, Abel Mwansa Jr., is being honored in his family’s former hometown overseas for his warmth and generous nature, with friends and relatives gathering to remember him far from Tumbler Ridge.
Dedicated Educator Gone Too Soon
The adult victim — a committed educational assistant — was widely respected by colleagues for her compassion and dedication to her work.
Students looked up to her as a mentor who helped them navigate academic challenges and offered encouragement and stability in their school lives. Her absence has left a palpable void within the school community.
Injuries and Ongoing Hospital Care
While many of the injured have since been treated and released, a few individuals remain under medical care:
-
A 12‑year‑old girl who was shot in both the head and neck was airlifted to the British Columbia Children’s Hospital in Vancouver and remains in critical condition.
-
Other victims received urgent treatment for gunshot wounds, injuries caused during evacuation, and trauma‑related health issues.
Hospital staff and medical teams from regional centers responded swiftly, demonstrating the region’s commitment to emergency care despite the rural location.
Families of victims have expressed gratitude for the swift response even as they cope with deep sorrow and uncertainty.
A Town in Mourning — and in Solidarity
In the days following the shooting, Tumbler Ridge has become a landscape marked by grief, remembrance, and communal support:
-
Memorials of flowers, candles, handwritten notes, stuffed animals, and photographs have appeared near the school entrance and along community pathways.
-
Vigils and prayer services have been held in churches and community halls, where people gather to remember the lost, comfort one another, and share their deepest emotions.
-
Local leaders have encouraged residents to look after one another, provide emotional support, and seek professional help if trauma becomes overwhelming.
-
Schools and recreation facilities have opened spaces for counseling and trauma‑informed care for students, parents, teachers, and first responders.
Flags on federal buildings and public spaces were flown at half‑mast in Ottawa and throughout British Columbia as a mark of national mourning.
Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney, British Columbia Premier David Eby, and other government officials issued statements expressing sorrow, solidarity, and a commitment to supporting Tumbler Ridge through this crisis.
School Community Response and Support Services
In recognition of the lasting impact such trauma can have on children and families:
-
Counselors, child psychologists, and crisis support workers were brought to Tumbler Ridge to offer ongoing support.
-
Students and parents were encouraged to access trauma‑informed resources, including grief support groups and mental health services.
-
The school district announced that students are not expected to return to the current high school building in the near future. Instead, plans are being made to prioritize healing, safety, and long‑term well‑being before any attempt to resume normal classes on site.
School District No. 59 Superintendent Christy Fennell emphasized that decisions about the future of the school will be guided by trauma‑informed perspectives, recognizing that students and families will heal at different paces.
Questions About Motive and Prevention
Amid the pain of loss, many residents and observers have asked difficult questions:
-
Why did this happen?
-
Could signs have been detected earlier?
-
What can communities do to prevent such tragedies in the future?
Authorities have acknowledged that while the suspected shooter was known to police and had a history of mental health concerns, the precise motive remains under investigation.
Officials are careful not to draw premature conclusions, especially in a case involving complex personal history and mental health considerations.
RCMP Deputy Commissioner Dwayne McDonald has urged patience and thoroughness as investigators work to piece together timelines, warning signs, and actionable information while respecting families and ongoing legal processes.
Healing Takes Time — And Community
Healing from an event of this magnitude is not linear, and it will likely take months or even years for Tumbler Ridge to fully come to terms with what happened.
For many families, the pain remains present in daily life — in empty seats at dinner tables, quiet homes where laughter once filled the air, and routines that will never be quite the same.
Yet amid sorrow, there are also moments of resilience:
-
Neighbors are bringing meals, offering childcare, and checking on those who may be struggling.
-
Faith groups, nonprofits, and volunteers have organized long‑term support efforts.
-
Community events focus on remembrance and honoring the legacies of the young lives taken too soon.
Carrying Memory With Love and Hope
Six children and one adult educator have left behind families, classmates, and friends who will carry their memories forever.
Their names, dreams, and personalities are being shared in stories that reflect love, generosity, and promise — qualities that the victims embodied in their short lives.
Tumbler Ridge will never be the same, and the scars of this tragedy will not fade quickly. But in shared grief, in communal care, and in collective hope for a safer future, the town is learning to move forward — not alone, but together.
Our Thoughts Are With Tumbler Ridge
This heartbreaking event serves as a reminder of the fragility of life, the profound impact of violence on families and communities, and the resilience that emerges in the face of unspeakable loss.
Our thoughts and deepest sympathies remain with the families, students, educators, first responders, and every resident of Tumbler Ridge who continues to navigate this painful journey.
