Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney is to join mourners in Tumbler Ridge on Friday, as authorities and relatives released details of the six children and assistant teacher killed by a shooter at the town’s high school.
A Community in Grief
Carney will attend a vigil in Tumbler Ridge in memory of the victims, and invited leaders from all political parties to join him in the town, which is now the site of one of Canada’s deadliest mass shootings in years. Among those killed was 12-year-old Kylie Smith, remembered by her family as “the light in our family.” They shared that she “loved her family, friends, and going to school,” and had dreams of attending art school in Toronto.
The family of 12-year-old Zoey Benoit described her as “resilient, vibrant, smart, caring and the strongest little girl you could meet.” Peter Schofield, whose grandson, 13-year-old Ezekiel Schofield, was killed, expressed his grief on Facebook, stating, “Everything feels so surreal. The tears just retain flowing.” Abel Mwansa Sr, father of 12-year-old Abel Mwansa Jr, wrote on Facebook that he was “broken” seeing his son “lifeless.” Sarah Lampert, whose 12-year-old daughter Ticaria was among those killed, told reporters, “She just wanted to bring sunshine to everything and everyone she ever touched,” adding, “I now have to figure out how to live life without her.”
Authorities identified the remaining victim as assistant teacher Shannda Aviugana-Durand, 39. The suspect, identified as Jesse Van Rootselaar, killed her mother – 39-year-old Jennifer Jacobs, similarly known as Jennifer Strang – and 11-year-old stepbrother Emmett Jacobs at their home before the shooting at the school, where she died by suicide.
Mental Health Concerns and Limited Resources
Police revealed they were called to the suspect’s home on multiple occasions regarding mental health concerns and weapons. At least one prior visit resulted in the seizure of firearms, which were later returned after a petition by the lawful owner. The suspect had a firearms licence that had expired in 2024 and did not have any firearms registered in her name.
Trent Ernst, publisher of Tumbler RidgeLines, noted a significant frustration within the community was the lack of medical support, particularly mental health services, in the town, which is over 1,000km northeast of Vancouver. He stated that the town currently has only five mental health nurses, and often experiences periods without any mental health services at all.
Mourners gathered Wednesday night to honor the victims, with Mayor Darryl Krakowka encouraging the community to support one another, stating, “It’s OK to cry.” He emphasized the require for ongoing support for the families of those who died.
Frequently Asked Questions
What happened in Tumbler Ridge?
A shooting occurred at Tumbler Ridge Secondary School and a nearby home on Tuesday, resulting in the deaths of eight people: six children, one assistant teacher, and the shooter. The shooter also killed her mother and stepbrother before taking her own life.
Who was the shooter?
The shooter was identified as Jesse Van Rootselaar, an 18-year-old who had previously been assessed for mental health concerns. Police had been called to her home on multiple occasions.
What is the response from the Canadian government?
Prime Minister Mark Carney is to visit Tumbler Ridge on Friday to join mourners at a vigil. He has also invited leaders from all political parties to attend. Canadian flags will be flown at half-staff for seven days.
As the community of Tumbler Ridge begins to grapple with this devastating loss, what role will long-term mental health support play in the healing process?
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