đź’” Community in Mourning After Tragedy in Tumbler Ridge
The quiet town of Tumbler Ridge, British Columbia, is struggling to find its footing after a mass shooting on February 10, 2026, left six people dead and dozens more injured. What was once a close-knit, peaceful community has been shaken by grief, disbelief, and unanswered questions.
Authorities say the attacker, 18-year-old Jesse Van Rootselaar, carried out the violence before taking her own life as police moved in. The incident has been described as one of the most devastating acts of violence in recent Canadian history, particularly in a country known for strict gun laws and low rates of mass shootings.
For residents, the statistics mean little compared to the personal loss. The victims ranged in age from just 11 to 39 years old, and many were children whose lives were only beginning.
🚨 How the Tragedy Unfolded
Investigators say the violence began inside a home on Fellers Avenue, where Van Rootselaar fatally shot her mother, Jennifer Jacobs, and her 11-year-old stepbrother, Emmett Jacobs. From there, she traveled to Tumbler Ridge Secondary School.
At the school, authorities report that she opened fire in multiple areas, including a stairwell and the library. Several students and a staff member were killed in the attack, while others were injured as they tried to escape or protect one another.
Emergency responders and law enforcement arrived quickly, securing the area and transporting victims to nearby hospitals. Despite their efforts, several lives could not be saved.
🕯️ Remembering the Young Lives Lost
Among those who died were students between the ages of 11 and 13, along with a 39-year-old educator who was described by colleagues as dedicated and compassionate. Many of the victims were known throughout the town for their kindness, curiosity, and bright futures.
Families and friends have begun sharing memories of children who loved science, sports, music, and helping others. Classmates describe empty desks and silent hallways that now feel unbearable.
One grieving father, remembering his 12-year-old son, spoke of dreams that will never be realized — of a future filled with learning, leadership, and service. His words echoed what many parents are feeling: the pain of losing not only a child, but a lifetime of possibilities.
🤝 A Town Comes Together in Grief
In the days following the shooting, memorials appeared throughout Tumbler Ridge. Flowers, candles, handwritten notes, and stuffed animals line fences and sidewalks near the school and homes affected by the tragedy.
Vigils have been held in community centers and churches, where residents gather to pray, cry, and comfort one another. Counselors and support workers have been brought in to help students, teachers, and families cope with trauma.
Local leaders have emphasized unity, urging residents to look after one another and to seek help when the pain feels overwhelming.
🌱 Questions, Healing, and the Road Ahead
As investigators continue to examine what led to the attack, many in the community are asking difficult questions about mental health, warning signs, and prevention. Officials say their focus remains on understanding the full picture while supporting those affected.
Experts note that recovery from such trauma takes time. For children who witnessed violence, and for parents who now fear for their safety, healing will be gradual and deeply personal.
Yet amid the sorrow, there are signs of resilience. Neighbors are delivering meals, checking in on families, and volunteering their time. Teachers are working to rebuild a sense of safety. Faith groups and nonprofits are offering long-term support.
🌼 Holding On to Memory and Hope
Tumbler Ridge now mourns six lives that were taken far too soon. The tears, as many residents have said, do not stop easily. But alongside grief, there is also a determination to honor the victims by caring for one another and protecting the next generation.
This tragedy has left scars that will not fade quickly. Still, in shared prayers, quiet hugs, and acts of compassion, the community is learning how to move forward — carrying memory with dignity, and choosing hope even in the shadow of loss.
Our thoughts remain with the families, students, and residents of Tumbler Ridge as they continue to walk this painful path together.