A devastating mass shooting has shattered the small, close-knit community of Tumbler Ridge in British Columbia, leaving eight people dead, including six children, and more than 25 others injured. The tragedy, which unfolded on Tuesday, is being described as one of the deadliest shootings in Canadian history, according to initial police estimates.
Victims Remembered by Heartbroken Families
Among those killed were two 12-year-old students, Abel Mwansa Jr. and Kylie May, whose families have publicly shared their grief and memories. Police have not yet officially released the identities of all victims, but the families' tributes paint a picture of young lives cut tragically short.
Abel Mwansa Jr.: A 'Good Kid' Who Never Missed School
Abel Mwansa Jr., the son of a pastor, was remembered by his parents, Abel Mwansa and Bwalya Chisanga, as a "good kid" who was dedicated to his education. In a social media post, his father expressed profound gratitude for the nearly 13 years they had together, writing in all caps, "Lord I thank you for 12 years 11 months we spent with you."
The announcement from Burning Bush Ministries International - City of Grace Chapel, shared on Facebook, highlighted the deep impact of his loss. "This loss has brought profound grief to the family, the church, and all who knew and loved him," the statement read, urging the community to offer prayer and support during this difficult time.
Kylie May: A 'Beautiful, Kind, Innocent Soul'
Kylie May was described by her aunt, Shanon Dycke, as a "beautiful, kind, innocent soul" on a GoFundMe page created to assist the family with expenses and memorial plans. Dycke expressed the family's devastation, stating, "We are completely devastated and have no words as we try to process the magnitude of the situation."
In a heartfelt message, Dycke extended her condolences to other affected families, writing, "My heart aches for the other families involved and for the loss of their children. I am so sorry. To the families with children still in the hospital; keep fighting. We are sending you prayers."
Details of the Shooting and Suspect
The shooting occurred at Tumbler Ridge Secondary School, where a 39-year-old female educator, three 12-year-old female students, a 12-year-old male student, and a 13-year-old male student were killed. The suspected shooter, 18-year-old Jesse Van Rootselaar, was found dead with a self-inflicted injury.
Police reported that Van Rootselaar, who was born biologically male but had been transitioning to female over the past six years, killed her 39-year-old mother and 11-year-old stepbrother at a nearby home before opening fire at the school. It remains unclear whether she had any prior connection to Tumbler Ridge Secondary, as she was not a current student.
British Columbia Premier provided an update on the incident, emphasizing the shock and sorrow rippling through the community. The investigation is ongoing, with authorities working to piece together the events leading up to the tragedy and support the victims' families.
As Tumbler Ridge grapples with this unimaginable loss, the outpouring of grief and solidarity underscores the tight bonds within this remote northwestern community. The families of the other six victims have not yet commented publicly, leaving many questions unanswered as the community mourns together.
