School districts provide support services following Tumbler Ridge shooting

TUMBLER RIDGE, B.C. — Local school districts say support services are being made available to students, staff and families in the wake of the deadly shooting at Tumbler Ridge Secondary School.

In a letter to families on Wednesday, February 11th, School District 59’s superintendent, Christy Fennell, described the incident as “tragic and deeply traumatic,” acknowledging the profound impact on the small northeast B.C. community, which has a population of just under 2,400, according to the 2021 census.

“We recognize that the trauma and impact of this loss are immeasurable,” the statement reads.

“There is no timeline for how each of us will process this grief and immense loss, both individually and as a community. While words often feel inadequate in the face of such loss, coming together can help reduce isolation and remind us that we are not alone.”

The district has created a gathering space at the Tumbler Ridge Community Centre, located at 340 Front Street, starting at 10 a.m. on Wednesday (February 11th).

The space will be open over the coming days and “as needed”, with mental health professionals on site to provide support.

“Our priority at this time is taking care of each other and re-establishing a sense of safety in our community,” Fennell said.

Fennell also emphasized the challenges families may face as they try to reassure children while processing their own grief.

“It can be especially difficult to know how to reassure our children when we ourselves are trying to process and make sense of such profound loss,” the statement continues. 

“Children may experience a wide range of emotions in response to what they hear or see, and they will look to the adults in their lives to help them feel safe and understand the world around them.”

The district is encouraging parents and caregivers to monitor their children closely in the coming days and weeks for changes in behaviour that may signal a need for additional support.

The district has provided families with guidelines and resources to help guide age-appropriate conversations about the tragedy.

In a similar letter to parents, School District 60 superintendent Stephen Petrucci also outlined the district’s support services.

“Counsellors and support services are available to students and staff who may need additional support,” Petrucci said in the letter.

“If you feel your child is affected in any way or you notice a shift in your child’s usual behaviour, we encourage you to contact the school so we can provide support as needed.”

If families would like support or guidance for conversations at home, Petrucci noted School District 60 has resources available.

According to the BC RCMP, officers responded to reports of a shooter at Tumbler Ridge Secondary School on the afternoon of February 10th. 

When police arrived, they located six deceased inside the school, along with the individual believed to be responsible, who had what appeared to be a self-inflicted injury.

Three victims were airlifted to hospital with serious or life-threatening injuries, one of whom later died. 

Approximately 25 others were assessed and treated for non-life-threatening injuries at the Tumbler Ridge Health Centre.

Police also discovered two dead at a secondary residence believed to be connected to the incident. 

Schools in Tumbler Ridge were placed on lockdown during the incident, and Tumbler Ridge Secondary School, Tumbler Ridge Elementary School and Northern Lights College’s campus in the community have closed for the remainder of the week.

Prime Minister Mark Carney has announced flags on federal buildings across Canada will be flown at half-mast for seven days in honour of the victims.

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