Stepfather of Tumbler Ridge Victim Expresses 'Unbearable Pain' After Losing 11-Year-Old Son
Matt Jacobs, the mourning father of 11-year-old Emmett Jacobs, one of eight victims in last week's Tumbler Ridge mass shooting, has publicly stated he is enduring "unbearable" pain following the tragic loss of his young son. In a heartfelt statement sent to the National Post on Saturday, Jacobs expressed the depth of his sorrow and confusion in the aftermath of the devastating event.
'I Lost My Little Boy, a Man's Pride and Joy'
"I lost my little boy, a man's pride and joy," Jacobs wrote, referring to the death of his son Emmett. He continued, "The pain I have been feeling from this tragedy is unbearable. I can't even imagine to explain how lost I feel." The emotional declaration highlights the profound grief experienced by families affected by the shooting that shocked the small community of Tumbler Ridge, British Columbia.
Clarifying Family Relationships and Addressing Misinformation
In his statement, Jacobs took the opportunity to clarify his family connections amidst circulating misinformation. He explained that he is the estranged spouse of Jennifer Jacobs (Strang), with whom he shared three children—Emmett and two brothers. Importantly, Jacobs emphasized that he is not the father of the shooter, 18-year-old Jesse Vanrootselaar, despite "false photos" of him seen online and incorrect statements from some family members.
"Jesse was a troubled child and I did what I could before we split up," Jacobs said regarding Vanrootselaar. "I had no idea it had gotten this bad." This clarification seeks to correct public misconceptions about his role in the shooter's life.
Details of the Tragic Incident
Emmett Jacobs was found dead in his family home along with his 39-year-old mother, Jennifer, after Vanrootselaar carried out the attack at Tumbler Ridge Secondary School on Tuesday. The school shooting resulted in the deaths of one adult and five children before Vanrootselaar ended their own life. The victims at the school were identified as students Abel Mwansa, 12, Ezekiel Schofield, 13, Kylie Smith, 12, Zoey Benoit, 12, Ticaria Lampert, 12, and educator Shannda Aviugana-Durand, 39.
Remembering Emmett and Expressing Regret
Jacobs fondly remembered his son as "happy, smart and kind," while lamenting that he had not been able to spend meaningful time with Emmett for the past eight years due to family circumstances. "If I could have continued to spend time with him I would have," he stated. "My heart has always ached for him and I have missed him and my other surviving children tremendously."
Forgiveness and Moving Forward
Despite the friction with his late wife, whom he was in the process of formally divorcing in hopes of remarrying a new partner in Alberta, Jacobs expressed no ill will toward her or her family. He offered condolences for her tragic death and wrote, "There was much I never knew about and much she held from me. I truly forgive her for it all, despite everything." Jacobs concluded his statement by asking for privacy for everyone involved in this heartbreaking situation.
Community Support Through Fundraising
In response to the tragedy, Amy Johann, an extended family member of Jennifer Jacobs living in Grand Prairie, Alberta, has initiated a GoFundMe campaign to benefit the surviving children and a third, so-far unidentified child. "Thankfully, they have loving grandparents who have always shown up for them—steady, present, and devoted," Johann wrote. "They will now be the ones to carry these children forward, just as they always have. But stepping into this role fully, especially in retirement, comes with significant financial strain."
As of Sunday morning, the campaign had raised more than $15,000 toward a goal of $25,000. The beneficiary is listed as Adell Strang, Jennifer's mother, highlighting the community's efforts to support those left behind.
