The small town of Tumbler Ridge, B.C., is grieving after an 18-year-old woman allegedly killed eight people — including children — and wounded dozens, following the killing of her mother and step-brother at a home. The suspect was found dead inside Tumbler Ridge Secondary School from an apparent self-inflicted injury. The RCMP has named the victims, said officers had previously responded to mental-health concerns at the family home, and reported no confirmed motive. The community held vigils while provincial and national leaders marked a day of mourning.
Tumbler Ridge Mourns After Deadly School Attack; Suspect Identified, Motive Unknown
People attend a candle light vigil at the front steps of the legislature in Victoria, British Columbia, on Wednesday in honor of the victims of the school shooting in Tumbler Ridge. - Chad Hipolito/AP
The small mountain town of Tumbler Ridge, British Columbia, was shaken on Tuesday by one of Canada’s deadliest school attacks in recent memory. An 18-year-old woman is accused of killing eight people and wounding dozens after reportedly killing her mother and step-brother at a home before travelling to Tumbler Ridge Secondary School, officials said. The alleged attacker was later found dead inside the school from an apparent self-inflicted injury.
Ezekiel Schofield, 13, was among those killed in the shooting at Tumbler Ridge Secondary School. - RCMP/Royal Canadian Mounted Police
Victims And Families
The Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) released the names and ages of the eight people killed. Those found at the school were Abel Mwansa, 12; Ezekiel Schofield, 13; Kylie Smith, 12; Zoey Benoit, 12; Ticaria Lampert, 12; and Shannda Aviugana-Durand, 39. Two others — Emmett Jacobs, 11, and Jennifer Jacobs, 39 — were found at a residence in Tumbler Ridge. Authorities said the two relatives found at the home were the suspected shooter’s mother and step-brother.
Jennifer Jacobs, 39, was killed in a home in Tumbler Ridge. - RCMP/Royal Canadian Mounted Police
Families have begun to speak publicly about their loss. Kylie Smith’s family described her as a talented artist who dreamed of attending art school in Toronto. Zoey Benoit’s family remembered her as bringing laughter and smiles to everyone around her. Abel Mwansa Sr., who immigrated from Zambia, described his son as a child who always wore a smile.
Emmett Jacobs, 11, was killed in a home in Tumbler Ridge. - RCMP/Royal Canadian Mounted Police
Injuries And Medical Updates
Several people were hospitalized. Twelve-year-old Maya Edmonds is in critical condition at Vancouver Children’s Hospital after suffering gunshot wounds to the head and neck, according to a verified GoFundMe update from her mother. Another student, Paige Hoekstra, underwent surgery for a gunshot wound to the chest and is reported to be recovering.
Kylie Smith, 12, was among those killed in the shooting at Tumbler Ridge Secondary School. - Gofundme
Investigation And Suspect Background
The RCMP identified the alleged shooter as Jesse Van Rootselaar, an 18-year-old from Tumbler Ridge who police said had dropped out of school several years ago. Police have said they visited the family residence on multiple occasions over the past few years due to mental health concerns, including a welfare check last spring related to self-harm. On different occasions the suspect was apprehended for assessment and follow-up.
Zoey Benoit, 12, was among those killed in the shooting at Tumbler Ridge Secondary School. - Royal Canadian Mounted Police
Police stated that firearms had been seized from the home at one point and later returned after a petition; investigators said the seized shotgun was unregistered. As of the latest updates, RCMP said neither the earlier-seized shotgun nor the firearm believed to be used at the school had been previously seized by police. The origin of the weapon used at the school remains under investigation.
Abel Mwansa, 12, was among those killed in the shooting at Tumbler Ridge Secondary School. - Royal Canadian Mounted Police
Deputy Commissioner Dwayne McDonald told reporters that investigators have found no note or clear communication indicating a motive. He also said there was no evidence the suspect singled out specific victims inside the school, describing the attacks as not showing targeted selection.
Maya Edmonds is in a critical condition after the shooting at Tumbler Ridge Secondary School in British Columbia, Canada. - Cia Edmonds/Gofundme
Timeline And Response
Police say they received a report of an active shooter at Tumbler Ridge Secondary School at 2:20 p.m. local time (4:20 p.m. ET). Officers were on scene within minutes. School alarms initiated a lockdown about 2:30 p.m., and students described barricading doors with tables and sheltering in classrooms. A relative at the home alerted a neighbour, who phoned police at 2:47 p.m.
An image released by the RCMP on Friday shows Jesse Van Rootselaar, an 18-year-old Tumbler Ridge woman whom police identified the alleged shooter. - Royal Canadian Mounted Police
When officers entered the school they found victims in several locations, including a stairwell and the library. Two people were transported to hospital with serious injuries and roughly 25 others required medical attention for injuries or shock.
An aerial view of the middle school and high school building where the shooting took place, as seen on Wednesday. - Eagle Vision Agency/AFP/Getty Images
Community And National Reaction
On Wednesday night, hundreds gathered in the town square for a candlelit vigil, laying flowers and holding a moment of silence. Tumbler Ridge Mayor Darryl Krakowka described the community as "one big family" and urged residents to check on one another in the days ahead.
People lay flowers and light candles during a vigil in the town of Tumbler Ridge, British Columbia, Canada, on February 11, 2026. - Jennifer Gauthier/Reuters
Flags across Canada were lowered to half-staff, and federal leaders paid their respects in Parliament with statements and a moment of silence. British Columbia declared a day of mourning.
About Tumbler Ridge
Tumbler Ridge is a small community of roughly 2,400 people at the foothills of the Rocky Mountains in northeast British Columbia. Founded in the 1980s as a coal-mining town, it has experienced economic changes since its main mines closed. Local officials and national leaders highlighted the town’s resilience as it begins to grieve and recover.
Note: Investigators continue to gather evidence and piece together a full timeline. Authorities have urged anyone with information or relevant footage to contact the RCMP.
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