Tragedy Strikes Tumbler Ridge Community
The small community of Tumbler Ridge, British Columbia, is grappling with profound grief as authorities have identified the victims of a devastating school shooting that occurred on February 10, 2026. The Royal Canadian Mounted Police confirmed that six individuals lost their lives inside the school: a 39-year-old female teacher and five students—three 12-year-old girls and two boys, one aged 12 and the other 13.
Victims Remembered by Loved Ones
Among the young victims was Ezekiel Schofield, a 13-year-old described by his grandfather, Peter Schofield, as "an amazing child" who always wore a smile. Ezekiel was an active member of the Tumbler Ridge Minor Hockey Association, where he was known for his positive spirit and enthusiasm for the sport.
In a heartfelt social media post, his grandfather expressed the family's devastation, writing, "So many young lives were ended so needlessly. Our hearts are broken not only for Ezekiel, but for every family affected by this tragedy." He asked the community to keep all of Tumbler Ridge in their thoughts and prayers during this difficult time.
Another victim, 12-year-old Kylie May Smith, was remembered by her aunt Shanon Dykce as a "beautiful, kind, innocent soul" in a GoFundMe campaign established to support the grieving family. Dykce shared that their world "crumbled" upon learning of Kylie's death, leaving them completely devastated as they struggle to process the magnitude of their loss.
Abel Mwansa, also 12 years old, was described by his father as a dedicated student who loved school so much that he cried when home schooling was suggested. In an emotional Facebook post, his father revealed that Abel was raised to respect elders, work hard, and focus on his studies, never missing a day of school. Tragically, the boy was shot while attending class, a loss his father characterized as being "murdered in cold blood."
Suspected Shooter and Additional Victims
Police have identified the suspected shooter as 18-year-old Jesse Van Rootselaar, a biological male who began transitioning to female approximately six years ago. Authorities believe Van Rootselaar died from a self-inflicted injury inside the school following the shooting.
In a further tragic development, two additional individuals—believed to be Van Rootselaar's mother and 11-year-old stepbrother—were found dead at a nearby residence. The RCMP continues to investigate the connections between these deaths and the school shooting.
Community in Mourning
The Tumbler Ridge community has been united in grief since the tragedy unfolded. Local organizations, including the minor hockey association where Ezekiel played, have expressed their condolences and support for the affected families. Social media has been flooded with messages of sympathy and offers of assistance from across British Columbia and beyond.
As investigations continue, authorities are working to piece together the events leading up to the shooting and provide support to the traumatized community. The RCMP has urged anyone with information to come forward while respecting the privacy of the grieving families during this exceptionally difficult time.
