‘Everyone knows somebody affected’ – Tumbler Ridge United in Grief After Mass Shooting
In the small town of Tumbler Ridge, British Columbia, residents are in shock following a mass shooting that tragically claimed the lives of nine individuals, including six children. As the community grapples with this unimaginable loss, the refrain echoing through the town is, “Everyone knows somebody affected.”
Heartfelt Remembrances
On Thursday, police unveiled the identities of the victims, which include:
– Zoey Benoit, 12, remembered by family as “the strongest little girl you could meet.”
– Kylie Smith, 12, described as “the light” of her family, who aspired to attend art school.
The tight-knit community of about 2,400 has been left reeling as grief envelops the town, nestled in the picturesque foothills of the Rocky Mountains. A growing memorial outside the local school serves as a poignant reminder of the lives lost, with residents laying flowers, teddy bears, and handwritten notes in tribute.
A Shocking Incident
The shooting, one of the deadliest in Canada’s history, took place in a location where such events were unthinkable. As local pastor Tracy Krauss mentioned, “We’ve been insulated.” Now, that feeling of safety has shattered.
Investigators continue to seek answers regarding the 18-year-old suspect, Jesse Van Rootselaar, who was found deceased from a self-inflicted gunshot wound at the school. Reports indicate that the suspect was in the process of transitioning to female. Tragically, Van Rootselaar’s mother and step-brother were killed first at their home before the attack was carried out at Tumbler Ridge Secondary School.
Panic and Courage During Lockdown
The chaotic moments of the shooting unfolded at approximately 1:30 PM, prompting immediate police responses. Inside the school, roughly 160 students took shelter, with many barricading doors and awaiting help.
17-year-old Darian Quist shared his experience: “We hid for over two hours, unsure of what was happening.” For Quist and his classmates, the aftermath has been a mix of anger, sadness, and disbelief. “That it happened in a place like this, it doesn’t seem real,” he reflected, acknowledging the reality of the tragedy.
Community and National Support
Outside the school, anxious parents congregated at a nearby community center, hoping to reunite with their children. Krauss, who supported a close friend waiting for news, expressed the profound devastation felt throughout Tumbler Ridge. “To lose a child is the worst thing in the world,” she said, her tears illustrating the deep sorrow enveloping the community.
Support has poured in from across Canada, including a visit from Prime Minister Mark Carney. Bob Zimmer, the federal Conservative MP for the region, hopes the town will be remembered for its natural beauty rather than the tragedy that has befallen it. For now, there’s a dark cloud, he stated, acknowledging the difficulty facing the residents as they begin to heal.
Questions Ahead
The shocking nature of the Tumbler Ridge shooting raises numerous questions regarding mental health support and community safety. Police noted prior mental health calls concerning Van Rootselaar, and discussions surrounding gun control and mental health resources will undoubtedly arise in the aftermath.
As the community begins to navigate their grief, Zimmer reassured residents of ongoing support: “We’re just here to give some hugs and let them know there’s hope. Serious questions will need answers, but right now, the focus is on mourning.”
The residents of Tumbler Ridge are forever changed. This tragedy will resonate in their hearts, serving as a chilling reminder of the fragility of life. In times of grief, support and unity have become paramount, as “everyone knows somebody affected” by this heartbreaking event.