Community Honors Victims of One of Canada’s Deadliest Mass Shootings in Tumbler Ridge
On February 10, 2026, a mass shooting in Tumbler Ridge, British Columbia, became one of Canada’s deadliest mass shootings and the deadliest school shooting since 1989. The incident, carried out by Jesse Van Rootselaar, resulted in nine deaths and 27 injuries, deeply impacting the compact mining community. In the aftermath, residents have come together to honor the victims through memorials, vigils, and ongoing support initiatives, reflecting the town’s resilience and commitment to healing.
The Tragedy: A Timeline of Events
According to verified reports, Jesse Van Rootselaar first killed her mother and half-brother at their home on Fellers Avenue around 2:20 p.m. MST. She then proceeded to Tumbler Ridge Secondary School, where she fatally shot six individuals and injured twenty-seven others before taking her own life. The attack marked the deadliest mass shooting in Canada since the Nova Scotia attacks in 2020 and the deadliest school shooting in the country since the École Polytechnique massacre in Montreal in 1989.
Community Response and Memorials
In the days following the shooting, community members gathered at makeshift memorials near the school and the perpetrator’s home to lay flowers, light candles, and share messages of support. A formal vigil was held at the Tumbler Ridge Community Centre on February 15, 2026, attended by hundreds of residents, local officials, and representatives from School District 59 Peace River South. Speakers emphasized the importance of unity and remembrance, with many calling for increased mental health resources and community support systems.
Ongoing Support and Healing Initiatives
Since the tragedy, the town has established several initiatives to support victims’ families and promote healing. These include:
- A dedicated fund managed by the Tumbler Ridge Community Foundation to assist with funeral expenses and counseling services.
- Regular support group meetings facilitated by mental health professionals from Northern Health.
- Collaborative efforts with School District 59 to provide trauma-informed care for students and staff returning to the school.
- Plans for a permanent memorial garden near the school site, designed with input from victims’ families and community stakeholders.
Local leaders have also advocated for broader discussions on gun safety and mental health awareness, though the primary focus remains on immediate community recovery.
Looking Forward: Resilience in a Small Town
Tumbler Ridge, with a population of approximately 2,399 according to the 2021 census, has demonstrated remarkable strength in the face of unimaginable loss. Even as the scars of February 10, 2026, will endure, the community’s collective response underscores a commitment to honoring the lives lost and fostering a safer, more supportive environment for all residents. As one resident stated during the vigil, “We remember not how they died, but how they lived— and we will carry their light forward.”
Community Honors Victims of One of Canada’s Deadliest Mass Shootings in Tumbler Ridge
On February 10, 2026, a mass shooting in Tumbler Ridge, British Columbia, became one of Canada’s deadliest mass shootings and the deadliest school shooting since 1989. The incident, carried out by Jesse Van Rootselaar, resulted in nine deaths and 27 injuries, deeply impacting the small mining community. In the aftermath, residents have come together to honor the victims through memorials, vigils, and ongoing support initiatives, reflecting the town’s resilience and commitment to healing.
The Tragedy: A Timeline of Events
According to verified reports, Jesse Van Rootselaar first killed her mother and half-brother at their home on Fellers Avenue around 2:20 p.m. MST. She then proceeded to Tumbler Ridge Secondary School, where she fatally shot six individuals and injured twenty-seven others before taking her own life. The attack marked the deadliest mass shooting in Canada since the Nova Scotia attacks in 2020 and the deadliest school shooting in the country since the École Polytechnique massacre in Montreal in 1989.
Community Response and Memorials
In the days following the shooting, community members gathered at makeshift memorials near the school and the perpetrator’s home to lay flowers, light candles, and share messages of support. A formal vigil was held at the Tumbler Ridge Community Centre on February 15, 2026, attended by hundreds of residents, local officials, and representatives from School District 59 Peace River South. Speakers emphasized the importance of unity and remembrance, with many calling for increased mental health resources and community support systems.
Ongoing Support and Healing Initiatives
Since the tragedy, the town has established several initiatives to support victims’ families and promote healing. These include:
- A dedicated fund managed by the Tumbler Ridge Community Foundation to assist with funeral expenses and counseling services.
- Regular support group meetings facilitated by mental health professionals from Northern Health.
- Collaborative efforts with School District 59 to provide trauma-informed care for students and staff returning to the school.
- Plans for a permanent memorial garden near the school site, designed with input from victims’ families and community stakeholders.
Local leaders have also advocated for broader discussions on gun safety and mental health awareness, though the primary focus remains on immediate community recovery.
Looking Forward: Resilience in a Small Town
Tumbler Ridge, with a population of approximately 2,399 according to the 2021 census, has demonstrated remarkable strength in the face of unimaginable loss. While the scars of February 10, 2026, will endure, the community’s collective response underscores a commitment to honoring the lives lost and fostering a safer, more supportive environment for all residents. As one resident stated during the vigil, “We remember not how they died, but how they lived— and we will carry their light forward.”