Tumbler Ridge School Shooting: Prime Minister Carney to Attend Vigil as Community Grieves
Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney is set to join mourners in Tumbler Ridge on Friday, following one of the deadliest mass shootings in Canada's recent history at the remote mining town's high school. The tragedy claimed the lives of five children and an assistant teacher, with authorities and families releasing heartfelt tributes to the victims.
Families Remember the Young Victims
Among those killed was 12-year-old Kylie Smith, described by her family as "the light in our family." In a statement, they said, "She loved her family, friends, and going to school. She was a talented artist and had dreams of going to art school in Toronto. Rest in paradise, sweet girl, our family will never be the same without you." Her father, Lance Younge, spent six hours searching for her at a local recreation center before learning of her fate from a high school student who tried to save her life.
Zoey Benoit, another 12-year-old victim, was remembered as "resilient, vibrant, smart, caring and the strongest little girl you could meet." Peter Schofield, grandfather of 13-year-old Ezekiel Schofield, expressed his grief on Facebook, writing, "Everything feels so surreal. The tears just keep flowing." Abel Mwansa Sr., father of 12-year-old Abel Mwansa Jr., shared his devastation, noting his son's bright future as a potential leader, engineer, or scientist.
Sarah Lampert, mother of 12-year-old Ticaria Lampert, spoke publicly alongside her daughter Niveya, saying, "She just wanted to bring sunshine to everything and everyone she ever touched. I now have to figure out how to live life without her." The remaining victim was identified as assistant teacher Shannda Aviugana-Durand, aged 39.
Police Reveal Prior Mental Health Concerns
Authorities disclosed that police had visited the home of the teenage suspect, Jesse Van Rootselaar, multiple times over mental health issues and weapons. Dwayne McDonald, a deputy commissioner of the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP), stated, "Police had attended that residence on multiple occasions over the past several years dealing with concerns of mental health with respect to our suspect." The suspect had been apprehended under Canada's mental health act for assessment, and firearms were seized and later returned to the lawful owner. The suspect's firearms licence had expired in 2024, with no firearms registered in her name.
The suspect's mother, Jennifer Jacobs (also known as Jennifer Strang), aged 39, and 11-year-old stepbrother Emmett Jacobs were found dead at the family home nearby. The suspected shooter was discovered at the school with a self-inflicted gunshot wound.
Community Criticises Lack of Mental Health Support
Trent Ernst, publisher of Tumbler RidgeLines, highlighted the town's frustration over inadequate mental health services. He said, "The majority of people that I've talked to are sad more at the fact that Tumbler Ridge doesn't have the level of support for mental health and health services in general." With only five mental health nurses currently available, he noted periods of months or years without any mental health professionals in the town, located over 1,000km northeast of Vancouver.
Mourners gathered in frigid conditions on Wednesday night to honour the victims, with Mayor Darryl Krakowka urging the community to support each other. He described Tumbler Ridge as "one big family" and emphasized the need for ongoing support for the victims' families.
Prime Minister Carney has invited leaders from all political parties to join him at the vigil, underscoring the national impact of this tragedy.
