the quiet community of Tumbler Ridge, B.C., was forever changed by an act of senseless violence. As the investigation continues, the focus remains on the eight individuals who lost their lives and the survivors fighting for recovery.
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At the Secondary School
Six victims were identified within the school, where the shooter was once a student.
- The Students: Four 12-year-olds—Abel Mwansa, Kylie Smith, Zoey Benoit, and Ticaria “Tiki” Lampert—along with 13-year-old Ezekiel Schofield, were killed. They are remembered by their families as vibrant children with dreams ranging from professional figure skating to attending art school.
- The Educator: Shannda Aviugana-Durand (39), a respected education assistant and member of the BCGEU, was the sole staff member killed while supporting her students.
At the Fellers Avenue Residence
The violence began at a private home before moving to the school grounds.
- Jennifer Jacobs (Strang) (39): The mother of the shooter.
- Emmett Jacobs (11): The shooter’s younger half-brother.
Status of the Survivors
Of the 27 people injured during the attack, two remain the primary focus of medical updates:
- Maya Gebala (12): Currently in a Vancouver hospital. Her family reports she is showing “small signs of stimulus” while recovering from critical injuries to her head and neck.
- Paige Hoekstra (19): Following surgery for a chest wound, she is reported to be in stable condition.
The Community Response
The town of 2,700 has rallied together, holding a massive candlelight vigil on February 11. Authorities have identified the shooter as Jesse Van Rootselaar (18), who died at the scene. While the motive remains under investigation, the RCMP noted that the school-based attacks appeared to be random, occurring primarily in the library and stairwells.
Note: Crisis support lines and community funds have been established to assist the families of the victims and those displaced by the investigation.
