Father of Tumbler Ridge Shooting Victim Emmett Jacobs Mourns 'Unbearable' Loss
Matt Jacobs, the grieving father of 11-year-old Emmett Jacobs who was killed in the horrific Tumbler Ridge shooting, has released an emotional statement following the tragedy that shook the northeastern British Columbia community. The shooting occurred on Tuesday, February 10, 2026, claiming multiple lives including Emmett and his mother Jennifer Strang (also known as Jennifer Jacobs).
'I Lost My Little Boy, a Man's Pride and Joy'
In his heartfelt statement, Jacobs expressed profound grief over the loss of his son. "The pain I have been feeling from this tragedy is unbearable," he wrote. "I can't even imagine to explain how lost I feel. I lost my little boy, a man's pride and joy."
Jacobs described Emmett as "a beautiful boy" who loved fishing and spending time outdoors with his father. "He was happy, smart and kind," Jacobs recalled. "If I could have continued to spend time with him, I would have. My heart has always ached for him and I have missed him and my other surviving children tremendously."
Clarifying Family Relationships
The father took the opportunity to clarify his relationship with the family involved in the shooting. Contrary to some reports circulating, Jacobs confirmed he is not the father of shooter Jesse Van Rootselaar. Instead, he explained that Emmett was Van Rootselaar's half-brother.
"I am only the biological father of Emmett, Jean-Pierre and Bentley," Jacobs stated, addressing what he called "miscommunication and false photos floating around."
Estrangement and Attempted Reconciliation
Jacobs revealed he had been estranged from his children for the past eight years since separating from Jennifer Strang. "She held them from me since we split," he said. "I have often tried to set up visitation and phone calls, much ignored."
Living in Alberta made maintaining contact challenging without formal arrangements. Despite the difficulties, Jacobs emphasized he kept things peaceful with Jennifer. "I still cared for the mother of my children deeply and we kept in contact," he shared. "I was there for her when she needed help in tough situations."
Jacobs noted that he and Jennifer were still legally married at the time of the tragedy, though he was in the process of filing for divorce and planning to marry his current partner.
Moving Forward with Surviving Children
Now facing the aftermath of the shooting, Jacobs must focus on his two surviving children in Tumbler Ridge. "I now have to pick up the pieces of what is left of my family in Tumbler Ridge and do what is best for them," he stated.
Reflecting on the shooter, Jacobs said, "Jesse was a troubled child and I did what I could before we split up. I had no idea it had gotten this bad." He expressed forgiveness toward Jennifer for keeping information from him, saying, "I truly forgive her for it all, despite everything."
Call for Privacy and Support
In closing his statement, Jacobs called for privacy and prayers for all affected by the tragedy. "Her family loved her and I hope the public keeps in mind her surviving children and family," he said. "Myself and friends are deeply saddened by her loss."
The Tumbler Ridge community continues to mourn the victims of this devastating shooting, which included seven individuals: Kylie Smith, Abel Mwansa, Zoey Benoit, Ticaria Lampert, Ezekiel Schofield, Emmett Jacobs, and Jennifer Jacobs. Police investigators have been working at the scene where the bodies of Jennifer and Emmett were found, seeking to understand the full circumstances of this heartbreaking event.
