12-Year-Old Hero Shot Protecting Classmates in Tumbler Ridge School Massacre
A 12-year-old girl is fighting for her life after being shot while heroically trying to protect her classmates during a devastating school shooting at Tumbler Ridge Secondary School in British Columbia. Maya Gebala was airlifted to British Columbia’s Children’s Hospital following the Tuesday afternoon attack and remains in extreme critical condition with gunshot wounds to her head and neck.
Heroic Actions During the Attack
According to family member Krysta Hunt, Maya attempted to lock the library door to keep out the shooter, identified as 18-year-old Jesse Van Rootselaar, before hiding under a table where she was struck by two bullets. One bullet hit just above her left eye while another struck her in the neck. Hunt revealed that doctors are uncertain if the neck bullet passed through or remains internal, with medical teams currently focusing on the severe head injury that has caused bleeding on the brain.
Medics were alerted to Maya's condition by observant classmates who noticed her finger still moving after she was shot, prompting immediate emergency response. The young girl's survival through Tuesday night was uncertain according to medical professionals.
Community Mourns Multiple Victims
The shooting claimed ten lives including the shooter, who took their own life after the rampage. Victims included three female students aged 12, two male students aged 12 and 13, a 39-year-old educator, a 39-year-old mother, and an 11-year-old stepbrother. Prime Minister Mark Carney acknowledged the tragedy, stating there would be "difficult conversations to have" in the wake of the massacre.
Family's Heartbreaking Response
Maya's mother, Cia, has maintained a vigil at the Vancouver children's hospital where she posted a heartbreaking message on social media. "Today started as any other," she wrote. "Now, however, my 12 year old daughter is fighting for her life while they try to repair the damage from a gun shot wound to the head. And one to the neck."
In a separate tribute, Cia described her daughter as "my climber. My builder. My hockey star" and encouraged her to "fight hard baby." A GoFundMe campaign organized by Hunt aims to support Maya's recovery and help her mother during this challenging period.
Investigation into Shooter's Background
Police continue to investigate Van Rootselaar's motives, revealing that authorities had been called to the suspect's address multiple times for mental health concerns. During one incident, the teenager was hospitalized under the Mental Health Act. When questioned about whether any visits involved weapons, RCMP Deputy Commissioner Dwayne McDonald confirmed they did.
The shooter, who had been transitioning from male to female over six years, did not have firearms registered in her name, and her gun license had expired in 2024. The two firearms recovered at the school were not registered to Van Rootselaar, raising further questions about weapon access.
The Tumbler Ridge community remains in shock as they mourn the victims and pray for Maya's recovery, with the incident highlighting ongoing concerns about school safety and mental health support systems.
