Supporting Tumbler Ridge

This past week has been the most difficult in the history of Tumbler Ridge. As we reflect on the devastating events that began on Tuesday, February 10, we also look back at a community that has come together in a profound display of unity and support.

A Nation Mourns: The Friday Night Vigil

This past Friday, the eyes of the nation turned to Tumbler Ridge as many gathered for a candlelight vigil at Town Hall to honour the lives lost.

• National Leadership: Prime Minister Mark Carney and Governor General Mary Simon were joined by Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre and other federal leaders to pay their respects.
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The Lives We Honour

We continue to hold the families of those lost in our hearts. The RCMP has officially identified the nine victims of this senseless act:

• Jennifer Jacobs (39) and son Emmett (11)
• Shannda Aviugana-Durand (39), a dedicated education assistant at the school.
• Students: Kylie Smith (12), Zoey Benoit (12), Ticaria Lampert (12), Abel Mwansa Jr. (12), and Ezekiel Schofield (13).
• Survivors in Hospital: Our thoughts remain with the survivors, including 12-year-old Maya Gebala, who was transported to BC Children’s Hospital in critical condition.  Paige Hoekstra was also transferred to Vancouver after being shot.
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The Investigation: Father of Suspect Speaks Out

Following the tragedy, the father of 18-year-old shooter Jesse Van Rootselaar shared a statement regarding the unimaginable loss facing the community of Tumbler Ridge.

• A Family Shattered: In a statement, the father expressed his “most heartfelt condolences” to the community and added that he can’t imagine the depth of the community’s grief.
• A Search for Answers: A court order described the “nomadic lifestyle” of the shooter’s family.
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Timeline of a Tragedy

The incident began on Tuesday afternoon at a private residence before moving to Tumbler Ridge Secondary School.

• The Incident: RCMP received the first reports at 2:20 p.m. on Tuesday. A region-wide emergency alert followed shortly after, keeping residents in shelter-in-place for several hours until the suspect was located deceased inside the school.
• Rapid Response: Local residents and officials have praised the first responders who arrived on the scene within two minutes of the initial call.
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From Our Archives

In 2023, Energeticcity.ca featured Jennifer Jacobs in an article regarding her advocacy for better healthcare for local children. Her dedication to the well-being of our youth remains a powerful part of her legacy.

Archive Feature: Jennifer Jacobs on local healthcare advocacy 

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As more details of the incident are revealed, many officials and community members have called for more mental health support in Tumbler Ridge and the surrounding region. In order to help in any way we can, we have gathered a list of mental health resources that our currently available in our region. We plan to update the list as more options are made available. If you need help and are looking for somewhere to start, go to moosemediafsj.ca/help for more information.