Mother of Tumbler Ridge Victim Reports Theft of Daughter's Belongings
Cia Edmonds, the mother of 12-year-old Maya Gebala who remains in a medically induced coma following the tragic Tumbler Ridge High School shooting, has reported a distressing theft of her daughter's personal belongings. In an update posted on Tuesday to the GoFundMe page established for the family, Edmonds revealed that someone sliced open the tonneau cover on her pickup truck and stole Gebala's paddle board, along with potentially their golf clubs.
Details of the Theft Incident
The theft occurred during an already devastating time for the family, as Gebala continues to fight for her life in hospital. Edmonds shared that the incident added to the emotional burden she is carrying, describing her current state as one of numbness after the initial tsunami of emotions following the shooting. She expressed gratitude for the overwhelming support from the community but admitted struggling to keep up with messages and updates.
Maya Gebala was one of the survivors of the February 10 shooting at Tumbler Ridge High School in British Columbia, where six people - five students and one teacher - lost their lives. The 12-year-old was shot while reportedly protecting her classmates during the attack and has been in a medically induced coma since the incident.
Medical Updates and Family's Struggle
In her emotional update, Edmonds revealed that Gebala has been moved to a new section of the hospital dedicated to recovery, which the mother sees as acknowledgement that her daughter "is fighting and refuses to quit." However, doctors have delivered difficult news - Gebala still has no movement on her right side, with medical professionals indicating this condition may never improve, similar to stroke-related paralysis.
"Life has been a bit heavy and I am feeling it lately," Edmonds wrote. "I have hope for her, as always. My faith is unwavering. Perhaps though, it's finally sunk in on day 7, that she won't be opening her eyes anytime soon..."
Community Support and Fundraising Efforts
The GoFundMe campaign created by Gebala's family has seen remarkable community response, with $439,773 raised as of Wednesday to provide relief during what Edmonds described as "this devastating time." The fundraiser was established by Edmonds' cousin to support both mother and daughter through their ordeal.
Edmonds made sure to acknowledge the outpouring of support in her update, stating: "Just know that, the stories, the love, the support and admiration for our powerhouse of a girl is not lost, I see you. We feel you."
Background on the Tumbler Ridge Tragedy
The shooter was identified by RCMP as 18-year-old Jesse Van Rootselaar (who went by the last name Strang). Authorities confirmed the shooter died at the scene from what appeared to be a self-inflicted injury. On the same day, police discovered Van Rootselaar's mother and brother deceased at their family home.
Another victim injured in the shooting, Paige Hoekstra, is reportedly set to be cleared to go home after surgery, according to an update on a separate GoFundMe page created by her family.
The theft of Gebala's belongings adds another layer of hardship to a family already grappling with unimaginable circumstances, highlighting how criminal acts can compound tragedy even in moments of profound personal crisis.
