Tumbler Ridge to raise flags to full mast to mark 30 days since tragedy

TUMBLER RIDGE, B.C. — The District of Tumbler Ridge will mark 30 days since the school shooting this week. 

According to a Facebook post uploaded to the District of Tumbler Ridge’s page, March 12th marks 30 days since eight people were killed on February 10th by 18-year-old Jesse Van Rootselaar, who also died. 

The post said the flags at the district building will be raised to full mast, which it said is not an attempt to mark an end to grief but a step forward as the Tumbler Ridge community continues to support one another. 

Before the flags are raised, an elder will offer prayers at the Town Hall at approximately 6 p.m. on March 12th, the post reads. 

The district said it will then “respectfully” move the memorial from the Town Hall to the tree at Roman Walkway where another memorial has grown. 

Once it is moved, a second prayer will be offered. 

Community members are welcome to attend but no formal gathering is planned. 

The district is asking the community to approach the memorial space with care and respect for people who may be grieving in different ways.