Tumbler Ridge School Shooting: Victims Remembered as Community Mourns
The small community of Tumbler Ridge in British Columbia remains in a state of profound shock and grief following a devastating mass shooting that claimed eight lives on Tuesday, February 10, 2026. This tragic event stands as one of Canada's deadliest mass shootings, leaving families shattered and a nation in mourning.
The School Shooting at Tumbler Ridge Secondary
Among the victims found at Tumbler Ridge Secondary School were five young students and a dedicated 39-year-old educator, Shannda Aviugana-Durand. The students, whose lives were tragically cut short, have been identified as:
- Abel Mwansa, age 12
- Zoey Benoit, age 12
- Kylie Smith, age 12
- Ezekiel Schofield, age 13
- Ticaria Lampert, age 12
Photographs of the victims were shared by the B.C. RCMP and family friends, painting a heartbreaking picture of youth and potential lost.
Additional Victims in the Tragedy
The shooting spree began earlier that day at a private residence, where 18-year-old Jesse Van Rootselaar used two firearms to kill his stepbrother, Emmett Jacobs, age 11, and his mother, Jennifer Jacobs, age 39. Van Rootselaar then proceeded to the secondary school, where he carried out the attack on students and staff before being found dead at the scene from a self-inflicted injury.
Remembering the Young Lives Lost
As details emerge, the unique personalities and dreams of the young victims are being shared by grieving families and friends. Abel Mwansa Jr., described as having the makings of a future scientist or engineer, was the son of immigrants from Zambia. His father, Abel Mwansa Sr., expressed unimaginable pain in emotional social media posts, recalling how he raised his son to respect elders, work hard, and focus on his studies.
The other young victims are remembered as:
- A future princess with bright dreams
- A passionate hockey player
- A girl known for her contagious laughter that could light up a room
- A "brave hulk" who was protective of her younger siblings
These descriptions highlight the vibrant personalities extinguished by this senseless violence.
Injured Survivors and Community Response
Two other teenagers, Maya Gebala and Paige Hoekstra, were seriously injured in the shooting and remain in critical care at a Vancouver hospital. Their conditions continue to be monitored closely by medical professionals.
The community has come together in solidarity, with a candlelight vigil held in Tumbler Ridge on Wednesday, February 11, 2026, where residents gathered to mourn and support one another.
Support Efforts for Victims and Families
The Tumbler Ridge Parent Advisory Council has launched a GoFundMe campaign to provide financial assistance to the affected families, helping cover expenses and support daily needs during this challenging time. As of Wednesday, the fundraiser had already raised more than $79,000 toward its $150,000 goal.
In coordination with the council, Lake View Credit Union has established a dedicated donation account for people impacted by the shooting. Donations can be made in person at branch locations or through transfer services.
The council emphasized the importance of community support, stating: "As we come together in grief and solidarity, it is clear that those impacted will need our support — not only emotionally but also financially — as they navigate the challenges ahead."
The tragedy has left an indelible mark on Tumbler Ridge, British Columbia, and Canada as a whole, as the community begins the long process of healing while honoring the memories of those lost.
