Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney will join mourners in Tumbler Ridge on Friday as details emerged regarding the six children and one assistant teacher killed in a shooting at the remote mining town’s high school.
Victims Identified
Among the dead was 12-year-old Kylie Smith, remembered by her family as “the light in our family.” Her family stated she loved her family, friends, and school, and had dreams of attending art school in Toronto. “Rest in paradise, sweet girl, our family will never be the same without you,” they said.
Kylie’s father, Lance Younge, recounted spending six hours at the local recreation center, searching for information about his daughter. He learned from a high school student about his daughter’s attempt to save her life.
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, shared his grief in a Facebook post, stating, “Everything feels so surreal. The tears just keep flowing.”
Abel Mwansa Sr, the father of 12-year-old Abel Mwansa Jr, wrote on Facebook that he was “broken” seeing his son “lifeless.” He remembered his son’s bright smile and envisioned a future where he would become a leader, engineer, or scientist.
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.” She added, “I now have to figure out how to live life without her.”
Authorities identified the remaining victim as assistant teacher Shannda Aviugana-Durand, 39.
Investigation Reveals Prior Police Contact
The suspect’s mother, 39-year-old Jennifer Jacobs, also known as Jennifer Strang, and 11-year-old stepbrother Emmett Jacobs were found dead at the family home. The suspected shooter, identified as Jesse Van Rootselaar, was found at the school with a self-inflicted gunshot wound.
Police stated they were called to the home of the teenage suspect on multiple occasions over the past several years due to concerns regarding mental health and weapons. Deputy Commissioner of the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) Dwayne McDonald said police had attended the residence multiple times to address mental health concerns related to the suspect. On at least one occasion, the suspect was apprehended under the country’s mental health act for assessment and follow-up.
McDonald also stated that firearms were seized from the residence approximately two years ago under the criminal code. The lawful owner later petitioned for their return, and they were subsequently returned.
The suspect had a firearms licence that expired in 2024 and did not have any firearms registered in her name.
Community Response
Trent Ernst, publisher of Tumbler RidgeLines, the town’s biweekly newspaper, said a major frustration in the community was the lack of medical support, particularly mental health services, in the town, which lies more than 1,000km northeast of Vancouver.
“The majority of people that I’ve talked to are sad more at the fact that Tumbler Ridge doesn’t have the level of support for mental health and health services in general,” he said. He noted that the town often goes months, or even years, without dedicated mental health services.
Mourners braved frigid temperatures on Wednesday night to honor the victims, with Mayor Darryl Krakowka encouraging them, “It’s OK to cry.” Krakowka described the town as “one big family” and urged residents to support each other, especially the families of those who died, “forever.”
With Associated Press and Agence France-Presse
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