Families of child victims of Tumbler Ridge shooting launch fundraisers

TUMBLER RIDGE, B.C. — Two GoFundMe campaigns have been launched to support families directly impacted by the February 10th shooting at Tumbler Ridge Secondary School.

Nine people, including the shooter, died in the incident on Tuesday, February 10th and 27 others were injured.

One fundraiser has been created to support 12-year-old Maya, who, according to the GoFundMe page, was critically injured when she received gunshot wounds to the head and neck during the shooting and transported to BC Children’s Hospital in Vancouver.

The campaign was started by Krysta Hunt on behalf of her cousin, Maya’s mother, Cia Edmonds.

In an update on February 11th, Hunt thanked donors for their support and shared cautious but hopeful news about Maya’s condition.

“I would like to sincerely thank everyone for their generosity towards our family. The support from everyone is so appreciated,” she wrote.

Hunt said Maya was able to undergo surgery to help stop the bleeding.

“She is such a fighter. And we are happy to share that Maya made it through the night. This is just the first step towards recovery.”

However, she added Maya remains in a very critical state.

“We are still in a very risky state, and care and long-term recovery is unknown.”

Funds raised will help cover expenses so Cia can remain by her daughter’s side without financial strain and support Maya throughout her recovery.

Currently, the GoFundMe has raised $129,410 out of a $140,000 goal.

A second fundraiser was launched by Shanon Dycke, the aunt of 12-year-old Kylie, who the GoFundMe page says was one of the victims.

“Yesterday our family received the gut-wrenching news that our beautiful Kylie May was confirmed to be one of the victims in the Tumbler Ridge school shooting,” Dycke wrote. 

“We are completely devastated and have no words as we try to process the magnitude of the situation.”

Dycke said Kylie’s mother, Desirae, recently moved to Vancouver Island after living in Tumbler Ridge for nearly 12 years.

According to the fundraiser, she had not seen her daughter in several months. Kylie’s father and stepmother are currently caring for her brother and stepbrother.

The funds will help cover immediate needs for the family, including travel costs and related expenses. The family also plans to use donations to support a memorial for Kylie, with details to be determined.

The GoFundMe has currently raised $7,277 out of an $8,000 goal.

“My heart aches for the other families involved and for the loss of their children. I am so sorry,” Dycke wrote. “To the families with children still in the hospital; keep fighting. We are sending you prayers.”

More coverage on the Tumbler Ridge shooting can be found here.