Tumbler Ridge Hero: 12-Year-Old Saved Classmates During School Shooting
In the aftermath of the devastating Tumbler Ridge school shooting last month, a 12-year-old girl emerged as one of the first heroes, according to Bob Zimmer, Member of Parliament for the region. The young student, identified only as Christina, performed extraordinary acts of bravery during the February 10 attack at Tumbler Ridge Secondary School.
Heroic Actions During the Attack
When the shooting began, Christina witnessed her classmates Maya Gebala and Abel Mwansa Jr. being wounded by suspect Jesse Van Rootselaar. Despite the ongoing danger, she sprang into action. "Christina, during the shooting, grabbed wounded Maya in her left arm and grabbed Abel Junior in her right arm and proceeded to pull them both under the table for protection," Zimmer recounted during his emotional address at the 60th National Prayer Breakfast in Ottawa.
The young hero remained with her wounded classmates for approximately 30 minutes as the shooting continued, providing what comfort and protection she could in the terrifying circumstances. Her quick thinking and courage likely saved lives during one of the community's darkest moments.
A Promise Kept: Delivering Final Words of Love
In Abel Mwansa Jr.'s final moments, the grievously wounded 12-year-old boy had one concern: his parents. "'Tell my mom and dad that I love them.' Christina promised Abel Jr. she would pass it on and she did," an emotional Zimmer told attendees.
A few days after the tragedy, Christina fulfilled her promise by visiting the Mwansa home to deliver their son's final expression of love. Zimmer described these as "the tragic yet beautiful words from a beloved son to his beloved parents" that they would never have known without Christina's intervention.
The Tragic Toll of the Shooting
The February 10 shooting claimed multiple lives, including:
- Abel Mwansa Jr. (12)
- Kylie Smith (12)
- Zoey Benoit (12)
- Ticaria Lampert (12)
- Ezekiel Schofield (13)
- Shannda Aviugana-Durand (39), an education assistant
Police also discovered the shooter's mother, Jennifer Jacobs (39), and half-brother Emmett Jacobs (11) deceased in the family's nearby home.
Current Condition of Survivors
Maya Gebala, who was shot in the head and neck during the attack, remains in critical but stable condition at a Vancouver hospital. According to Zimmer, Gebala had initially tried to lock the library door when the shooting began but was unable to secure it before being wounded along with Mwansa Jr. and several others.
Community Response and Recognition
The Conservative MP for Prince George-Peace River-Northern Rockies expressed being "honoured" to meet Christina, whom he described as a "shy" girl who performed heroic deeds beyond her years. Zimmer did not reveal Christina's surname during his address, respecting the family's privacy during this difficult time.
The Tumbler Ridge community continues to grapple with the aftermath of the tragedy, with social media campaigns like #PrayforMaya and #TumblerRidgeStrong demonstrating the widespread support for victims and their families. The heroic actions of Christina serve as a poignant reminder of human courage and compassion even in the face of unimaginable violence.
