Tattoo shop owned by Tumbler Ridge survivor’s mother set to close

TUMBLER RIDGE, B.C. — The mother of Tumbler Ridge shooting survivor Maya Gebala’s tattoo shop in the district is set to close.

A Facebook post on a Tumbler Ridge community group announced the Ink and Anchor tattoo shop’s closure, with Wednesday, May 27th and Friday, May 29th acting as a closing sale.

The proceeds from sales on both dates will go toward helping Maya and her family.

“During this incredibly difficult time, we’re holding a huge closing down sale,” reads part of the post.  Every purchase, share, and bit of support means more than words can say right now.”

“Thank you all so much for the love and kindness you’ve shown Maya, Dahlia and Cia.”

Gebala’s mother, Cia Edmonds, confirmed the closure in a brief statement to Energeticcity.ca, saying her family will be in Vancouver for the foreseeable future while her daughter continues rehabilitation.

Edmonds described her work as a “passion,” but would not comment further.

Gebala was shot three times in the back of the head during the mass shooting which killed nine people, including the assailant, on February 10th at Tumbler Ridge Secondary School.

Edmonds previously said in a story to the Canadian Press earlier this month her 12-year-old daughter has had five surgeries on her skull.

Maya’s story captured the attention of the entire globe, with Ultimate Fighting Championship president Dana White offering to transport Gebala to California to receive surgery. 

The Ink and Anchor’s closing sale will take place starting on Wednesday, May 27th, from 10 p.m. to 6 p.m. and Friday, May 29th, from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. at 120D 230 Main Street in Tumbler Ridge.