‘Hold her close and never let go’: Tumbler Ridge victim makes strides towards recovery

VANCOUVER, B.C. — The father of a Tumbler Ridge shooting victim has had the opportunity to wrap his arms around her for the first time since the tragedy as she continues to make strides toward recovery.

David Gebala’s daughter, Maya Gebala, suffered gunshot wounds to her head and neck as a result of the February 10th attack at Tumbler Ridge Secondary School which left nine people, including the assailant, dead.

Maya was airlifted to Vancouver’s BC Children’s Hospital as a result of her injuries.

Her recovery has seen everything from surgical delays to Ultimate Fighting Championship president Dana White offering to cover the cost of treatment at a specialist hospital in California.

In his latest update on Facebook on Monday, March 30th, David says his daughter has “transitioned” out of the BC Children’s Hospital’s intensive care unit (ICU) into a “more recovery and rehab-focused unit.”

With the help of physiotherapy and occupational therapists, he said Maya has now been able to sit up on the edge of her bed.

“This was huge for two reasons,” wrote David. “First, she was using her own muscles to help support herself (with assistance). Second… I was finally able to wrap my arms around my daughter. Really wrap my arms around her and hold her tight.”

David described the moment he hugged her as something “he can’t even put into words,” saying: “All I wanted was to lift her up, hold her close and never let go.”

He also said the external ventricular drain had been removed from his daughter roughly a day ago, and “so far, everything is positive.”

“She doesn’t seem to be in as much pain, and we’re starting to see a little more energy and colour come back,” reads part of the post.

“She’s still not a fan of the boot for the pressure sore on her heel, [and is] doing her best to kick it off whenever she can, but her movements are becoming much more intentional.”

To donate to Maya’s GoFundMe, click here. To see GoFundMes for all the victims of the tragedy, visit GoFundMe’s Tumbler Ridge Shooting Relief page.