Tragedy Strikes Tumbler Ridge: Community Mourns After Devastating School Shooting
Published 13 February 2026
Highlights
- A mass shooting in Tumbler Ridge, British Columbia, left nine dead, including six children and an assistant teacher.
- The suspect, Jesse Van Rootselaar, was found dead from a self-inflicted gunshot wound; police had previously visited the home over mental health concerns.
- Prime Minister Mark Carney will attend a vigil in Tumbler Ridge, highlighting the national impact of one of Canada's deadliest mass shootings.
- Victims include 12-year-olds Kylie Smith and Zoey Benoit, remembered for their vibrant personalities and aspirations.
- The community is grappling with grief as support pours in from across Canada, with many questions about the motive still unanswered.
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Rewritten Article
Tragedy Strikes Tumbler Ridge: Community Mourns After Devastating School Shooting
The small town of Tumbler Ridge, British Columbia, is in mourning following a tragic mass shooting that claimed the lives of nine individuals, including six children and an assistant teacher. The incident, which unfolded on Tuesday, has left the tight-knit community of approximately 2,400 residents in shock and grief.
A Community in Shock
The shooting occurred at Tumbler Ridge Secondary School, where 18-year-old Jesse Van Rootselaar, the suspect, was found dead from a self-inflicted gunshot wound. Police revealed that Van Rootselaar, who had been transitioning to female for six years, had previously been the subject of multiple police visits due to mental health concerns. The suspect's mother, Jennifer Jacobs, and stepbrother, Emmett Jacobs, were also among the victims, found dead at their home.
Remembering the Victims
Among the young victims were 12-year-olds Kylie Smith and Zoey Benoit, both remembered for their vibrant spirits and dreams for the future. Kylie, described by her family as "the light in our family," aspired to attend art school in Toronto. Zoey was celebrated for her resilience and strength. The community has come together to honor the victims, with a growing memorial of flowers, teddy bears, and handwritten notes outside the school.
National Response and Vigil
In response to the tragedy, Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney is set to visit Tumbler Ridge to attend a vigil on Friday. Carney has invited leaders from all political parties to join him, underscoring the national significance of this devastating event. The shooting is one of the deadliest in Canada's history, a country where such incidents are rare.
Ongoing Investigation
The Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) continue to investigate the motive behind the attack. Deputy Commissioner Dwayne McDonald confirmed that police had been called to the suspect's residence multiple times over the years due to concerns about mental health and weapons. As the investigation unfolds, the community and the nation await answers to the many questions surrounding this tragedy.
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Scenario Analysis
As the investigation into the Tumbler Ridge shooting progresses, authorities are likely to focus on the suspect's mental health history and any potential warning signs that may have been overlooked. This could lead to broader discussions on mental health support and gun control measures in Canada. The national attention brought by Prime Minister Mark Carney's visit may also prompt political leaders to consider legislative changes aimed at preventing similar tragedies in the future. Meanwhile, the community of Tumbler Ridge will need ongoing support as it navigates the long road to healing and recovery.
The small town of Tumbler Ridge, British Columbia, is in mourning following a tragic mass shooting that claimed the lives of nine individuals, including six children and an assistant teacher. The incident, which unfolded on Tuesday, has left the tight-knit community of approximately 2,400 residents in shock and grief.
A Community in Shock
The shooting occurred at Tumbler Ridge Secondary School, where 18-year-old Jesse Van Rootselaar, the suspect, was found dead from a self-inflicted gunshot wound. Police revealed that Van Rootselaar, who had been transitioning to female for six years, had previously been the subject of multiple police visits due to mental health concerns. The suspect's mother, Jennifer Jacobs, and stepbrother, Emmett Jacobs, were also among the victims, found dead at their home.
Remembering the Victims
Among the young victims were 12-year-olds Kylie Smith and Zoey Benoit, both remembered for their vibrant spirits and dreams for the future. Kylie, described by her family as "the light in our family," aspired to attend art school in Toronto. Zoey was celebrated for her resilience and strength. The community has come together to honor the victims, with a growing memorial of flowers, teddy bears, and handwritten notes outside the school.
National Response and Vigil
In response to the tragedy, Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney is set to visit Tumbler Ridge to attend a vigil on Friday. Carney has invited leaders from all political parties to join him, underscoring the national significance of this devastating event. The shooting is one of the deadliest in Canada's history, a country where such incidents are rare.
Ongoing Investigation
The Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) continue to investigate the motive behind the attack. Deputy Commissioner Dwayne McDonald confirmed that police had been called to the suspect's residence multiple times over the years due to concerns about mental health and weapons. As the investigation unfolds, the community and the nation await answers to the many questions surrounding this tragedy.
What this might mean
As the investigation into the Tumbler Ridge shooting progresses, authorities are likely to focus on the suspect's mental health history and any potential warning signs that may have been overlooked. This could lead to broader discussions on mental health support and gun control measures in Canada. The national attention brought by Prime Minister Mark Carney's visit may also prompt political leaders to consider legislative changes aimed at preventing similar tragedies in the future. Meanwhile, the community of Tumbler Ridge will need ongoing support as it navigates the long road to healing and recovery.
