The family of Tumbler Ridge shooting victim Kylie Smith has announced the postponement of a celebration of life for their 12-year-old daughter, citing serious safety threats from what they describe as a very dangerous individual. This distressing development comes in the wake of the tragic school shooting that claimed multiple lives in the small British Columbia community.
Safety Concerns Force Cancellation
In a heartfelt Facebook post shared by the Tumbler Ridge Chamber of Commerce, Kylie's parents, Lance Younge and Jenny Geary, expressed their deep regret over having to cancel the service. They emphasized that their decision was driven by a desire to protect the community from potential violence, stating they did not want to put others in danger. The family has since relocated to a secure location as a precautionary measure.
According to the post, the Smith family is not alone in facing harassment. They revealed that at least two other families of deceased victims have also been threatened since the shooting occurred, adding an extra layer of trauma to an already devastating situation. The parents wrote, "We are so sorry we had to cancel Kylie's service today. From what we are hearing, we are at least the third family of the deceased to be harassed or threatened by people from their past since this awful tragedy took place."
RCMP Investigation Underway
RCMP Staff Sergeant Kris Clark confirmed in a statement that authorities are actively investigating the threats, which have circulated both online and within the local community. "The RCMP is aware of threats that have circulated online and within the community and we can confirm that an investigation is underway," Clark said. He assured that a safety plan has been implemented for the affected individuals and the broader community as the inquiry progresses.
As of now, no further updates have been released by the RCMP regarding the investigation's specifics or any potential suspects. The focus remains on ensuring the security of all involved parties during this volatile period.
Background on the Tumbler Ridge Tragedy
The threats emerge against the backdrop of a horrific incident on February 10, when 18-year-old Jesse Van Rootselaar opened fire in Tumbler Ridge, resulting in eight fatalities. Kylie Smith was among the six victims killed at Tumbler Ridge Secondary School, while the shooter's mother and stepbrother were murdered at their family home. Additionally, twenty-seven individuals sustained injuries, with most having been treated and released.
One victim, 12-year-old Maya Gebala, remains in intensive care at a Vancouver hospital, suffering from gunshot wounds to her head. Her mother, Cia Edmonds, provided a hopeful update on Saturday, noting that Maya had opened one eye and was responding to stimuli, though doctors have cautioned about potential limitations in movement due to the severity of her injuries.
The postponement of Kylie Smith's memorial service underscores the ongoing challenges faced by the Tumbler Ridge community as it grapples with grief and security concerns in the aftermath of the shooting. The family's decision highlights the profound impact of such threats on the healing process, forcing them to delay honoring their daughter's memory until safety can be assured.
