Eight People Die in Tumbler Ridge Violence

Tragic events in Tumbler Ridge, British Columbia, have led to the deaths of eight people, including students and an educator. The violence occurred at the local secondary school and a nearby home. Investigations are ongoing to understand what happened.
By Newsroom | Crime, Canada |

A recent series of violent events in Tumbler Ridge, British Columbia, has resulted in the deaths of eight individuals, including children and an educator. The incidents, which unfolded at Tumbler Ridge Secondary School and a nearby residence, have sent ripples of grief through the close-knit community. Authorities are continuing their investigation into the full circumstances surrounding these tragic events.

Who were the victims of the shootings in Tumbler Ridge, Canada? - 1

Overview of the Events

On Tuesday, February 11th, reports of an active shooter at Tumbler Ridge Secondary School emerged. Police responded to the school, where they discovered multiple victims. Further investigation led authorities to a separate residence where additional victims were found. The timeline indicates that at least some of the victims at the home may have been harmed prior to the school incident.

Who were the victims of the shootings in Tumbler Ridge, Canada? - 2

  • 1:20 p.m. (PST): Police received reports of an active shooter at Tumbler Ridge Secondary School.

  • 1:30 p.m. (PST): Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) received a report of an active shooter at the school.

  • Later on Tuesday: Police confirmed eight fatalities in total.

Read More: Ten Dead in Tumbler Ridge School Shooting

The suspect, identified as 18-year-old Jesse Van Rootselaar, was found deceased at the school scene from a self-inflicted gunshot wound.

Who were the victims of the shootings in Tumbler Ridge, Canada? - 3

Identified Victims

While police have not formally released all victim names, multiple reports and family confirmations have identified several individuals. The victims include both children and an adult educator.

Who were the victims of the shootings in Tumbler Ridge, Canada? - 4

  • Jennifer Jacobs (also known as Jennifer Strang): A 39-year-old female educator. She was among those found deceased at the residence.

  • Abel Mwansa Jr.: A 12-year-old male student, son of a pastor. He was a victim found inside the school.

  • Kylie May (also known as Kylie Smith): A 12-year-old female student. Her family has identified her as among the deceased.

  • Ezekiel: Mentioned in connection with the U13 Raptors team roster. His age is not explicitly stated in the provided articles, but is likely in the age range of other student victims.

  • Unnamed 12-year-old female students: Three were reported among the deceased at the school.

  • Unnamed 13-year-old male student: One was reported among the deceased at the school.

  • Unnamed 11-year-old stepbrother: Found deceased at the residence alongside Jennifer Jacobs.

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"Police found six people dead at the school… Police corrected that number to eight on Feb. 11." - USA Today

"RCMP have identified all eight people shot and killed in Tumbler Ridge, B.C., on Tuesday." - CBC

School and Home Incidents

Reports indicate that the violence occurred at two distinct locations: Tumbler Ridge Secondary School and a private residence.

  • At the School: Six individuals, including students, were found deceased within Tumbler Ridge Secondary School. At least 25 others sustained injuries.

  • At the Residence: A 39-year-old educator and an 11-year-old stepbrother were found deceased in their home. Evidence suggests they were killed before the events at the school.

Community Impact

Tumbler Ridge is described as a small, close-knit community. The mass shooting has understandably plunged the town into mourning.

"The provincial government website lists Tumbler Ridge Secondary School as having 175 students from Grades 7 to 12." - Associated Press

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The mayor of Tumbler Ridge has spoken about the need for community support during this difficult time, emphasizing the resilience of the town. Schools in the district were closed for the remainder of the week following the tragedy.

Conflicting Information and Clarifications

While the overall toll is reported as eight fatalities, some initial reports may have varied. For instance, one article mentions a ninth victim, but this appears to be an early discrepancy. The number of injured is also noted as over 25.

  • Initial Reports: Some articles initially reported nine fatalities before official confirmation settled on eight.

  • Injuries: Over 25 individuals were injured, with some sustaining life-threatening injuries and requiring airlift to hospitals.

"Six people were killed and at least 25 others were injured at Tumbler Ridge Secondary School." - BBC News

Investigation Status

The RCMP are the lead agency in the investigation. The suspect, Jesse Van Rootselaar, is deceased. The motive behind the shootings remains a critical area of ongoing inquiry.

Sources

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Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What happened in Tumbler Ridge?
Sadly, eight people died in violence that happened at a school and a house. Some victims were children and a teacher.
Q: Where did this happen?
The events took place at Tumbler Ridge Secondary School and a home in Tumbler Ridge, British Columbia.
Q: Who was the suspect?
The suspect was an 18-year-old named Jesse Van Rootselaar. He died from a self-inflicted gunshot wound at the school.
Q: How many people were hurt?
More than 25 people were injured in the events.