UFC pays tribute to 12-year-old Tumbler Ridge shooting victim, family says

For the family of Maya Gebala, sitting by her hospital bed is a blessing. It means she’s still with them — even if doctors didn’t think she would be. (Cia Edmonds via Facebook)

By Emma Crawford

Posted February 23, 2026 12:26 pm.

Maya Gebala, the 12-year-old Tumbler Ridge shooting victim who is fighting for her life in BC Children’s Hospital in Vancouver, has been receiving an outpouring of support from people around the world.

Perhaps the highest-profile tribute so far has come from Ultimate Fighting Championship league, which displayed the girl’s name on the side of one of the ring ropes during a match Saturday evening, her family says.

Maya’s father, David Gebala, posted on social media that the president of the UFC reached out to them personally.

“Big shout out to the UFC for doing this for our amazing little warrior Maya,” he posted.

“Also want to thank Dana White and everyone involved for reaching out to us! You guys have been truly amazing, and we can’t begin to thank you enough.”

One step at a time

The tribute comes the same day her family said the young girl had opened one eye and moved a hand and a leg on her right side. Later that evening, her family said she was rushed into emergency surgery, which her mother, Cia Edmonds, said was due to severe fluid buildup on her brain as a result of hydrocephalus.

Her father confirms she made it through the surgery.

“After what felt like the longest hour of our lives, the surgeon came to tell us it was successful,” he said.

“They’ve placed a drain on her right side, and she’s holding on strong, just another hurdle she’s facing with so much strength. We love you endlessly.”

Don’t believe everything you hear, Maya’s mother says

As the girl continues to fight, Edmonds posted early Monday morning that there are rumours swirling about the girl’s condition, including one about her talking — something her mother says is completely false.

“She has a breathing tube in her throat, she’s completely incapable of talking,” her Edmonds posted.

“She is in critical condition and has a pretty consistent leak of cerebral fluid and blood coming from her ear and surgical wound. Seems as though we stride forwards and fall back.”

In a post early Monday morning, she further expressed her frustration with the rumours.

“It’s unfortunate that people are interested in making fake stories about her, or myself for that matter.”

Meanwhile, Maya continues to fight as the world waits and prays for her recovery.