The remote mining town of Tumbler Ridge, British Columbia, a community of approximately 2,400 residents nestled against the foothills of the Rocky Mountains, remains in deep mourning following one of Canada’s deadliest mass shootings in recent decades. On February 10, 2026, 18-year-old Jesse Van Rootselaar, a former student who had dropped out of Tumbler Ridge Secondary School around four years earlier, carried out a tragic attack that claimed eight lives and injured 27 others.

The shooter first killed two family members at their home on Fellers Avenue: her 39-year-old mother, Jennifer Jacobs (also known as Jennifer Strang), and her 11-year-old half-brother, Emmett Jacobs. Van Rootselaar then proceeded to the secondary school, where she opened fire, killing five young students and one educator before dying from a self-inflicted gunshot wound.

The incident has shaken the tight-knit community, prompting candlelight vigils, fundraisers, and tributes on social media. Hundreds gathered in the town center on Wednesday evening for a vigil, with more residents placing candles, flowers, teddy bears, and framed photos at makeshift memorials. The Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) revised initial reports of 25 injuries down to two people airlifted to Vancouver hospitals with serious wounds, while others received treatment for lesser injuries.

RCMP Deputy Commissioner Dwayne McDonald noted that police had previously visited the suspect’s home multiple times for mental health checks, most recently in spring 2025. Firearms were seized from the residence a couple of years ago but later returned after a petition by the owner. Van Rootselaar’s mother posted a 2024 Facebook photo appearing to show six hunting rifles, captioned: “Think it’s time to take them out for some target practice.”

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The victims, as confirmed by the RCMP on February 12, 2026, were:

At the suspect’s home:

Jennifer Jacobs, 39, the shooter’s mother, described in tributes as a caring figure in the family.
Emmett Jacobs, 11, the shooter’s half-brother, the youngest victim whose loss has compounded the family’s unimaginable grief.

At Tumbler Ridge Secondary School:

Abel Mwansa Jr., 12, remembered as a budding scientist with leadership qualities, kindness, and a bright future ahead.
Ezekiel Schofield, 13, a keen hockey player known for his enthusiasm and team spirit on the ice.
Kylie Smith, 12, an aspiring artist who loved drawing and dreamed of attending university in Toronto. Her father urged others to “hold your kids tight” in the aftermath. She was best friends with fellow victim Ticaria Lampert.
Zoey Benoit, 12, a vibrant young girl whose shy smile and energy lit up classrooms and playgrounds.
Ticaria Lampert, 12, affectionately called “Tiki” or her mother’s “tiki torch,” a blazing light in the darkness who was inseparable from her best friend Kylie.
Shannda Aviugana-Durand, 39, an education assistant dedicated to supporting students, remembered for her warmth and commitment to the school community.

These young lives—full of promise as scientists, artists, athletes, and learners—were cut short in an act that has left families, friends, and the entire town grappling with profound loss. Relatives have shared heartfelt tributes online, describing the children as loving, kind, and full of potential. Community fundraisers have emerged to support grieving families amid ongoing recovery.

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The tragedy has sparked national reflection on mental health support, firearm access, and school safety in rural Canada. While investigations continue—including into the firearms used and prior warnings—the focus remains on honoring the victims and aiding healing in Tumbler Ridge. As one vigil attendee reflected, the small town where everyone knows everyone now carries a shared sorrow, yet its residents vow resilience in remembering those lost.