How Maya Gebala's Brain Injury Affects Her Recovery After Tumbler Ridge Shooting

Maya Gebala, 12, is in critical condition with severe brain damage after a shooting. She has shown small signs of movement, but her health remains very serious.

A twelve-year-old girl named Maya Gebala is currently in a hospital in Vancouver. She was injured during a shooting at Tumbler Ridge Secondary School in British Columbia on February 10. While she has shown some small signs of movement, her health remains in a very serious state. Medical reports show she has significant damage to her brain. Her parents, Cia Edmonds and David Gebala, are staying with her while the community waits for news. This event has affected many people in the small town, leaving eight to ten people dead and many others injured. Investigators are now looking into the background of the person responsible to understand what happened.

A Timeline of the Events in Tumbler Ridge

The shooting took place on Tuesday, February 10, during the school day.

'My baby is in there': Mom gives update on 12-year-old Tumbler Ridge victim fighting for her life - 1
  • The Incident: An 18-year-old person entered the school and began shooting. The victims included a teacher and several students.

  • The Family Victims: Police reports show the shooter also killed her own mother and step-brother.

  • The Rescue: A classmate noticed Maya Gebala moving her finger after the shooting and told emergency workers. She was then flown to B.C. Children’s Hospital in Vancouver.

  • The Suspect: Police identified the suspect as an 18-year-old woman who had left the school four years ago. She is now deceased.

  • Medical Updates: Since the surgery, Maya has shown small movements on her left side, though her right side is not moving yet.

"There’s significant damage to the left side of her brain, that is where the bullet entered and exited, it tore right through." — Cia Edmonds, Maya’s mother.

Evidence of Injuries and Medical Status

The following data comes from hospital updates and family statements regarding the physical state of the victims.

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SubjectDetails of EvidenceStatus
Maya GebalaBullet wounds to the head and neck; damage to the brain stem.Critical condition; on painkillers.
Medical SignsMovement in the left hand and leg; coughing; eyes following sound.Signs of response observed by parents.
Total Casualties8 to 10 people dead (reports vary); 25 people injured.Ongoing investigation.
The Shooter18-year-old female; former student; biological male who transitioned.Deceased.

The core medical challenge involves healing the damage where the bullet passed through the brain stem.

'My baby is in there': Mom gives update on 12-year-old Tumbler Ridge victim fighting for her life - 2

Differences in Medical Signs and Risks

Physical Progress vs. Future Health Risks

The family has shared positive signs, such as Maya moving her left side and responding to her mother’s voice. However, medical professionals remain careful. There is a concern about fluid in her lungs and the possibility of her heart stopping. While the small movements provide hope, the brain damage is described as "significant."

  • Probing Question: Will the early signs of movement lead to a long-term recovery, or do they represent involuntary physical responses?

The Background of the Suspect

Police identified the shooter as an 18-year-old woman who was once a student at the school. She had not attended the school for four years. The attack included her own family members, which suggests the event may have started before she arrived at the school.

'My baby is in there': Mom gives update on 12-year-old Tumbler Ridge victim fighting for her life - 3
  • Probing Question: What was the specific reason the suspect targeted this school several years after leaving?

Perspectives on Forgiveness and Grief

Cia Edmonds has publicly stated that she feels compassion for the mother of the shooter. She noted that both families are experiencing a "nightmare." In contrast, other families, such as that of Ms. Lampert, are focusing on the reality of living life without their children. These two different ways of handling the tragedy show how people in the town are coping in various ways.

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  • Probing Question: How does the community balance the need for justice with the calls for compassion toward the suspect’s family?

Expert Analysis

Official reports from the Canadian Police and medical staff at B.C. Children’s Hospital provide the following insights:

'My baby is in there': Mom gives update on 12-year-old Tumbler Ridge victim fighting for her life - 4
  • Police Identification: Officers confirmed the suspect was a resident of Tumbler Ridge. They confirmed she was born male and transitioned about six years ago. This detail is part of the official record to identify the individual correctly.

  • Medical Observation: Doctors have stopped using heavy sedation to see how Maya reacts to her environment. This is a standard step to check for brain function.

  • Community Support: Krysta Hunt, a family member, has organized a fundraiser to help the parents stay in Vancouver while Maya is in care.

Final Summary of Findings

Maya Gebala is currently in a very serious condition at a Vancouver hospital. She has suffered brain damage that makes her future health uncertain. While she has shown small signs of physical response, doctors are watching for life-threatening problems like heart failure or lung issues.

The shooting resulted in the deaths of at least eight people, including the shooter, a teacher, and family members. The suspect was a former student who had been away from the school for a long time. The town is now focused on supporting the injured and the families of those who died. The next steps for the community involve waiting for more medical news and the final results of the police investigation into the motive behind the shooting.

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Sources Used

  • National Post: Update on 12-year-old victim's health and family statements. Link

  • Newsner: Details on the shooting and Maya's critical condition. Link

  • Breaking Radar: Information on the mother's compassion for the shooter's family. Link

  • CNN: Police identification of the suspect and total victim count. Link

  • Radio-Canada (RCI): Quotes from Maya's mother about her daughter's recovery. Link

  • Global News: Comments from another mother regarding the loss of her child. Link

  • Toronto Sun: Details regarding the extent of the brain damage. Link

  • The Star: Overview of the casualties and the GoFundMe campaign. Link

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What is Maya Gebala's current health status after the Tumbler Ridge shooting?
Maya Gebala, a 12-year-old girl, is in very serious condition in a Vancouver hospital due to a shooting at Tumbler Ridge Secondary School on February 10. She has significant brain damage.
Q: What kind of injuries did Maya Gebala sustain in the shooting?
Maya Gebala suffered bullet wounds to her head and neck, causing significant damage to her brain stem. Doctors are concerned about fluid in her lungs and the possibility of her heart stopping.
Q: Are there any signs of recovery for Maya Gebala?
Maya has shown small signs of response, such as moving her left hand and leg and coughing. Her eyes are also following sound, and her parents are hopeful about these small movements.
Q: How many people were killed or injured in the Tumbler Ridge shooting?
The shooting resulted in the deaths of 8 to 10 people, including a teacher and family members of the shooter. Around 25 people were injured.
Q: Who was the shooter in the Tumbler Ridge incident?
The shooter was an 18-year-old former student of the school who had left four years prior. The suspect is now deceased.
Q: What is being done to help Maya Gebala's family?
A fundraiser has been organized to help Maya's parents stay in Vancouver while they are with her at the hospital. The community is also providing support to the families affected by the tragedy.