Canada Town Reeling From Mass Shooting At Kindergarten School; 8 Dead

Transgender 18-year-old Jesse Van Rootselaar.

Canada Town Reeling From Mass Shooting At Kindergarten School; 8 Dead

By Paul V. Young – TheNATIONWEEK.com | February 13, 2026

TUMBLE RIDGE, BC – A remote Canadian community is in mourning after a mass shooting at Tumbler Ridge Secondary School that left eight dead, including six students and one educator, marking one of the deadliest school tragedies in recent Canadian history.

The alleged perpetrator, 18-year-old Jesse Van Rootselaar, a former student with a documented history of mental health concerns, is believed to have murdered two family members before targeting the school.

Victims Identified, Community Devastated

The victims, all from Tumbler Ridge, were identified as Abel Mwansa (12), Ezekiel Schofield (13), Kylie Smith (12), Zoey Benoit (12), Ticaria Lampert (12), Shannda Aviugana-Durand (39, educator), Jennifer Jacobs (39), and Emmett Jacobs (11).

Two other students, Maya Edmonds (12) and Paige Hoekstra, are recovering from serious injuries. Tributes pour in, painting a picture of vibrant young lives cut short and a community united in grief.

Mental Health History Under Scrutiny

RCMP Deputy Commissioner Dwayne McDonald confirmed prior police involvement with Van Rootselaar related to mental health concerns, including a visit last spring prompted by self-harm ideation.

Firearms previously seized from the residence were later returned, raising questions about the protocols for firearm access in cases involving documented mental health issues.

While authorities confirmed Van Rootselaar, born male, began transitioning six years ago, there is no evidence of bullying related to this. However, the investigation continues to explore all potential contributing factors.

Timeline of Terror

Police responded to reports of an active shooter at the school at 2:20 p.m. local time.

Students and teachers initiated lockdown procedures, while a relative alerted a neighbor to the initial attack at the Van Rootselaar residence, potentially preventing further casualties.

Van Rootselaar was found dead inside the school from a self-inflicted injury.

Community Grapples with Loss, Seeks Answers

A candlelight vigil drew hundreds, underscoring the close-knit nature of the town.

The tragedy has reignited debate about mental health support, access to firearms, and the lasting impact of violence on small communities.

The investigation continues as Tumbler Ridge begins the long and arduous journey of healing and remembrance.