Tragedy Strikes Tumbler Ridge: A Community in Mourning
This week, the quiet mining town of Tumbler Ridge, British Columbia, was shattered by an unimaginable tragedy. What began as an ordinary school day at Tumbler Ridge Secondary School descended into horror when 18-year-old Jesse Van Rootselaar entered the building armed with a modified handgun and a long gun. The shooter had already killed her mother and stepbrother at home before arriving at the school, where she took the lives of five students and one educator, while injuring at least 25 others before taking her own life.
Police Commander Dwayne McDonald confirmed that authorities are still investigating the motive behind Tuesday's mass shooting, noting that the shooter was known to have mental health issues. The community gathered for a candlelight vigil, with flowers and candles forming a memorial as residents mourned the victims of this devastating attack.
Extraordinary Courage in the Face of Terror
Amid the chaos and terror that unfolded within the school's walls, two young female heroes emerged, demonstrating the kind of bravery rarely seen even among adults. Twelve-year-olds Maya Gebala and Maddie Levesque sprang into action to help their classmates, providing a powerful reminder of human resilience in the darkest of times.
According to family members, when Van Rootselaar entered the school library, Gebala attempted to lock the door to prevent the shooter from entering. When she realized she couldn't secure it in time, she ran and hid under a table. Tragically, she was shot twice—in the head and neck—and remains in critical condition.
Gebala's cousin, Krystal Hunt, commended another student who noticed Gebala's finger moving and called for help. "She wouldn't be here today if it wasn't for her student friend that saw her finger move and said, 'I think she's still alive,' and they hauled her out of there," Hunt explained. "She got quick care because of that child... could have saved her life."
Heroic Efforts to Save Lives
Meanwhile, Maddie Levesque displayed remarkable composure and courage in the aftermath of the shooting. In an interview with CTV News, Lance Younge, father of deceased victim Kylie Smith, revealed that Levesque performed CPR on his daughter for 45 minutes in a desperate attempt to save her life.
"There's a hero named Maddie Levesque who did CPR on my daughter for 45 minutes," Younge told reporters. "And she was the one who came and told us nine hours later that our daughter had passed, because the police hadn't said anything to us."
Younge emphasized the importance of recognizing these young heroes rather than focusing attention on the shooter. "Like, these are the heroes. You want to put someone's picture up on the news? Put Maddie's picture up. Put my daughter's picture up. Put Ticaria and Abel and Ezekiel and Maya, who's still fighting for her life. Put all their pictures up. Let's stop giving this psychopath the recognition, because these kids were lost before they got to become teenagers. So let's put their pictures up please and remember them."
Calls for Recognition and Support
Both girls have been recommended for the highest honors for bravery in Canada. The Cross of Valour represents the country's highest distinction for exceptional acts of courage, followed by the Star of Courage and the Medal of Bravery. There is no limit to how many individuals can be nominated or win these awards in a single year or for a single event.
A GoFundMe page has been established to support family members affected by the Tumbler Ridge tragedy, as the community continues to grapple with the aftermath of this devastating event. The small town of Tumbler Ridge, known for its remote location and mining heritage, now faces the long process of healing while honoring both the victims and the young heroes who emerged during its darkest hour.
As investigations continue into the circumstances surrounding the shooting, the actions of Maya Gebala and Maddie Levesque stand as powerful examples of courage and humanity in the face of unimaginable violence. Their quick thinking and selfless actions saved lives and provided a glimmer of hope during a tragedy that has left an entire community—and nation—in mourning.
