Students, Educator Among Dead in Tumbler Ridge, B.C., Mass Shooting



Tumbler Ridge, British Columbia — A devastating mass shooting rocked the small community of Tumbler Ridge on February 10, 2026, leaving multiple victims dead and dozens wounded, including young students and an educator. The town, located in northeastern British Columbia, is now grappling with profound grief after one of Canada’s deadliest shootings in recent years.

A Community Shattered

In the early afternoon of February 10, emergency services responded to reports of an active shooter at Tumbler Ridge Secondary School, a public school serving about 191 students in grades 7 through 12. Shortly before the school attack, the suspect first fatally shot two close family members at a nearby residence.

Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) later confirmed that a total of nine people died in the incident — including six at the school, two at the family home, and the suspected shooter, who died from an apparent self-inflicted gunshot wound.

The Victims: Innocent Lives Lost

Among those killed at the school were five students and a teacher, a toll that has deeply shaken Tumbler Ridge and captured national attention.

Adult Educator: A 39-year-old female teacher who was serving her community and guiding students at Tumbler Ridge Secondary was among the victims.

Students: Three girls, all aged 12, and two boys, aged 12 and 13, lost their lives in the attack. These young students were part of a close-knit school community where classmates often know each other well.

Family Members: Prior to the school shooting, two other victims — the suspect’s 39-year-old mother and 11-year-old stepbrother — were found dead at a residence in the community.

In addition to those killed, approximately 27 others were injured, with two victims airlifted to hospitals with serious injuries. Many of the injured were treated locally for non-life-threatening wounds.

Who Was the Shooter?

Police identified the person responsible as 18-year-old Jesse Van Rootselaar, a resident of Tumbler Ridge. According to RCMP statements, Van Rootselaar was not enrolled at the school at the time and had no known direct connection to the victims at the school, suggesting that the attack was indiscriminate rather than targeted.

Authorities also confirmed past interactions with the suspect connected to mental health concerns, and previous RCMP visits to her family home over several years. However, details of any motive remain unclear, and investigators have not yet identified a clear reason for the violence.

Police recovered two firearms on the scene — a long gun and a modified handgun — but have not yet disclosed how they were obtained or whether they were legally possessed at the time of the shooting.

Chaos and Response

The RCMP received the first report of active gunfire at approximately 1:20 p.m. EST, prompting an immediate emergency response. Officers entered the school amid ongoing gunfire and located multiple victims inside before finding the shooter deceased from a self-inflicted wound.

Students and staff executed lockdown procedures, barricading doors and sheltering in place as authorities secured the scene. More than 100 students and staff were evacuated to a nearby community centre once the immediate danger had passed, where they were reunited with family members.

National Mourning and Condolences

The shooting has provoked an outpouring of grief and solidarity across Canada. Prime Minister Mark Carney and provincial leaders expressed deep sorrow over the loss of life, particularly the young students and their teacher. Flags were ordered to be lowered in national tribute to the victims, and moments of silence were observed in communities nationwide.

Local officials described Tumbler Ridge as a tight-knit community where families rely on one another, making the sudden violence all the more traumatic. Candlelight vigils and memorials have been held as residents come together to mourn and support one another.

Impact on Schools and Mental Health

In the wake of the shooting, Tumbler Ridge Secondary School announced a temporary closure to allow students, staff, and families time to process the tragedy and access support services. Educators and counsellors have emphasized the importance of mental health resources as the community copes with grief and trauma.

Organizations such as the BC Federation of Students have released statements offering solidarity and resources, encouraging those affected to seek emotional and psychological support during this difficult time.

A Call for Reflection

While mass shootings remain rare in Canada compared to some other countries, this incident — one of the deadliest school shootings since the 1989 École Polytechnique massacre — has reignited national discussions about gun safety, mental health interventions, and the need for preventative measures to protect vulnerable communities.

As investigations continue and families grieve their losses, the tragedy in Tumbler Ridge serves as a stark reminder of the fragility of life and the urgent need to address the underlying challenges that can lead to such violence.