Tumbler Ridge School Shooting Victim Laid to Rest in Native Zambia
The body of Abel Mwansa Jr., a 12-year-old student tragically killed in the Tumbler Ridge mass shooting earlier this month, has been repatriated to his native Zambia and laid to rest. The funeral service took place on Monday in Kitwe, located in the Copperbelt province of northern Zambia, a region known for its mining activities.
Family Expresses Profound Gratitude for International Support
Abel Mwansa Sr., the father of the young victim, stated that the family is "eternally grateful" to both the Canadian and Zambian governments for their crucial assistance in returning his son's body to Zambia. He extended heartfelt thanks to MP Bob Zimmer, who represents Tumbler Ridge, as well as the Tumbler Ridge PAC and Red Cross Canada, among numerous other supporters who provided aid during this devastating period.
The repatriation process was facilitated through close collaboration between Zambia's Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the government of Canada. The Zambian ministry issued a statement expressing condolences during what it described as a "profoundly difficult time" for the grieving family.
Details of the Tragic Incident and Repatriation
Abel Mwansa Jr. was one of six individuals—two boys, three girls, and an education assistant—who lost their lives in the shooting at Tumbler Ridge Secondary School on February 10. The perpetrator, 18-year-old Jesse Van Rootselaar, was found deceased inside the school from a self-inflicted injury. Additionally, police discovered the shooter's mother and half-brother dead in a nearby residence.
The Mwansa family had relocated to Tumbler Ridge in 2023 in search of career opportunities, according to reports from The Canadian Press. Abel was remembered as a diligent and cheerful boy who possessed a sunny smile and genuinely enjoyed attending school.
The body arrived in Zambia on Saturday via a plane provided by the Zambian government. Corry Van Gaal, Canada's charge d'affairs, who participated in the delegation that received the casket, conveyed her condolences to both Zambians mourning the loss of a "special soul" and to Canadian families grieving the eight lives lost in the tragedy.
Father Shares Heartbreaking Reflections on Grief
In earlier social media posts, Abel Mwansa Sr. revealed that he sometimes feels as though his son is still alive, expecting to see him at church or the community center. He described the grief as "almost unbearable" and noted that it "can feel isolating, especially when the world seems to keep moving while yours has shifted completely."
The community of Tumbler Ridge and international observers continue to mourn this profound loss, as the family navigates the aftermath of the tragedy with the support of authorities and loved ones.
