A bold sadness grips Tumbler Ridge as a tragedy unfolds, and the community braces to remember six children and an assistant teacher lost in the town’s high school shooting. Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney plans to join mourners this Friday, attending a vigil that will bring together leaders from across the political spectrum to honor the victims and stand with the town, the site of the country’s deadliest school shooting in years.
Among the deceased is 12-year-old Kylie Smith, described by her family as “the light in our family.” They shared that she loved her family, friends, and school, was a talented artist, and dreamed of studying art in Toronto. Her family asked readers to rest easy knowing she is now at peace, while they face a future without her.
Kylie’s father, Lance Younge, recalled spending six hours at the local recreation center, trying to learn what happened to his daughter as families were reunited elsewhere. He told CTV News that he returned home without answers until a high school student stepped forward to share what happened in an attempt to save Kylie’s life.
Zoey Benoit, another 12-year-old victim, is remembered by her family as resilient, vibrant, smart, caring, and the strongest little girl you could meet.
Peter Schofield, whose 13-year-old grandson Ezekiel Schofield was killed, expressed his grief in a heartfelt Facebook post: “Everything feels so surreal. The tears just keep flowing.”
Abel Mwansa Sr. spoke of his son Abel Mwansa Jr., also 12, as “broken” upon seeing his son’s body. He recalled the bright future he envisioned for him—a leader, an engineer, and a scientist—and mourned the loss of that promise.
Sarah Lampert described her 12-year-old daughter Ticaria as someone who aimed to bring sunshine to everyone she touched, adding that she now faces life without her child.
Authorities confirmed on Thursday that Shannda Aviugana-Durand, a 39-year-old assistant teacher, was among the victims.
The investigation also revealed that the shooter’s family home nearby contained several tragedies: the suspect’s mother, Jennifer Jacobs (also known as Jennifer Strang), and 11-year-old stepbrother Emmett Jacobs were found dead there, while the shooter, identified as Jesse Van Rootselaar, died at the school from a self-inflicted gunshot wound.
Police notes indicate the teen suspect’s residence drew multiple visits from officers over the years concerning mental health concerns and access to weapons. Deputy RCMP Commissioner Dwayne McDonald explained that police had intervened on several occasions under Canada’s mental health act for assessment and follow-up, with at least one weapons-related incident in the mix. He added that firearms tied to the case had previously been seized but later returned following a lawful owner’s petition. The suspect held a firearms license that had expired in 2024 and owned no firearms registered in her name.
Trent Ernst, publisher of Tumbler RidgeLines, pointed to another pressing issue for the town: limited access to medical and mental health services. Located more than 1,000 kilometers (about 600 miles) northeast of Vancouver, the community has been stretching scarce resources thin. He noted that while five mental health nurses are typically in town, these resources are fragile and sporadic, especially during extraordinary events like this tragedy.
Vigils drew mourners into the cold as residents gathered to honor the victims. Town Mayor Darryl Krakowka offered reassurance: it is okay to cry. He framed Tumbler Ridge as “one big family” and urged ongoing support for the families affected by the attack, stressing that the community must stand by them not only now but for the long haul.
With reporting from the Associated Press and Agence France-Presse
