Eight individuals lost their lives in a mass shooting on Tuesday in Tumbler Ridge, British Columbia. The attack unfolded at Tumbler Ridge Secondary School, where six victims died, and at the shooter’s family residence on Fellers Avenue. The gunman, 18-year-old Jesse Van Rootselaar, succumbed to a self-inflicted gunshot wound. Numerous others sustained injuries.
Victims at Tumbler Ridge Secondary School
Abel Mwansa
Abel Mwansa, a 12-year-old boy born in Zambia, arrived in Canada in March 2023 with his family after his father secured a mining position in British Columbia. His father, Abel Mwansa Sr., expressed joy at having a son whom he named after himself. “Everybody loves him and everybody knew him in town,” Mwansa Sr. stated. He highlighted his son’s genuine, radiant smile that defined him.
Zoey Benoit
Family members describe 12-year-old Zoey Benoit as resilient, vibrant, smart, caring, and remarkably strong. She filled those around her with laughter and smiles. They cherished family time together. “Our family is devastated by this loss, but we will cherish her memories with us so close to our hearts forever,” the family stated.
Kylie Smith
Kylie Smith, aged 12, shone as the light of her family and excelled as a talented artist with dreams of attending art school in Toronto. She adored her family, friends, and school.
Ezekiel Schofield
Ezekiel Schofield, 13, numbered among the students killed at Tumbler Ridge Secondary School.
Ticaria Lampert
Ticaria Lampert, 12, fell victim at the secondary school.
Shannda Aviugana-Durand
Shannda Aviugana-Durand, a 39-year-old educational assistant, died at Tumbler Ridge Secondary School.
Victims at Fellers Avenue Residence
Jennifer Strang
Jennifer Strang, legally known as Jennifer Jacobs and aged 39, served as the shooter’s mother. Originally from Lawn, Newfoundland and Labrador, she perished alongside her 11-year-old son at the family home. Neighbor Angela Eagle portrayed her as a devoted parent. “She did everything for her children. She has a beautiful backyard, she has trampolines, she had all sorts of entertainment. She was a very good mom,” Eagle recalled.
Emmett Jacobs
Emmett Jacobs, 11, acted as Van Rootselaar’s stepbrother and died at the Fellers Avenue home with his mother.
Injured Survivor
Maya Gebala
Maya Gebala, 12, suffered wounds during the school shooting and received airlift to B.C. Children’s Hospital in critical condition. The following day, her mother, Cia Edmonds, shared on social media that medical staff warned Maya might not survive the night. “I cannot reply to the mountain of messages we’ve received,” Edmonds wrote, expressing gratitude for the overwhelming support. “Our baby needs a miracle,” she added.
