Tumbler Ridge Survivor Maya Gebala Shows Signs of Improvement After Shooting

Maya Gebala, 12, is showing signs of recovery after being shot at Tumbler Ridge Secondary School. She is now breathing on her own and moving her left side, a big step from being in critical condition.
By Newsroom | Health, Crime |

Recent updates indicate a positive, albeit complex, trajectory for Maya Gebala, a 12-year-old victim of the Tumbler Ridge Secondary School shooting. After sustaining severe injuries, including gunshot wounds to the head and neck, Maya has transitioned from a state of extreme critical condition and potential end-of-life care to the intensive care unit. Her mother, Cia Edmonds, has reported several encouraging developments, suggesting a fight for recovery rather than impending loss.

Context of the Incident

On February 10, 2026, a shooting occurred at Tumbler Ridge Secondary School. Maya Gebala was among those injured. She was reportedly in the library when she was shot while allegedly attempting to protect her classmates. The shooter, identified as Jesse Van Rootselaar, also targeted his mother and younger half-brother at their home prior to the school incident. Maya was airlifted to B.C. Children’s Hospital in Vancouver for treatment.

Tumbler Ridge survivor's major update: 'Maya has opened her right eye and is responding' - 1

Evidence of Maya's Condition and Progress

Initial reports placed Maya in extreme critical condition following the shooting.

Tumbler Ridge survivor's major update: 'Maya has opened her right eye and is responding' - 2

  • She sustained multiple gunshot wounds: one grazed her cheek and ear, while others impacted her head and neck.

  • A bullet exited her head, causing significant damage to her brain, particularly the brain stem. Some reports indicate there are still bullet fragments or a bullet within her.

  • She was initially in a medically induced coma.

  • Her injuries have been described as similar to a stroke, with doctors warning of potential limitations in movement and function.

Recent updates from her mother and father, David Gebala, via GoFundMe and social media, paint a picture of gradual but meaningful improvement:

Tumbler Ridge survivor's major update: 'Maya has opened her right eye and is responding' - 3

  • Motor Function: Initially, there was no movement on her right side. However, Maya is now showing movement on her left side, including her hand and leg. There are reports of her moving her right leg and hand.

  • Consciousness and Response: Her eyes have begun to flutter, and she has been observed to open her right eye. Reports suggest her eyes may follow voices and movements.

  • Respiratory Support: Maya is now taking her own breaths, leading to a reduction in pressure on her ventilator.

  • General Status: She has been moved from end-of-life care to intensive care. Her swelling is reportedly lessening.

Initial Stages of Recovery

Following the shooting, Maya was in a critical state.

Tumbler Ridge survivor's major update: 'Maya has opened her right eye and is responding' - 4

  • Her parents, Cia Edmonds and David Gebala, were with her at the hospital.

  • She underwent emergency surgery.

  • At one point, doctors stopped sedating her, using only painkillers, to assess her reactions.

  • Initial movements were observed on her left side, and she coughed.

Emerging Signs of Consciousness

As her condition stabilized, Maya began exhibiting signs that suggest a degree of awareness.

  • Her eyes have started to flutter.

  • Her mother has stated that Maya has opened her right eye.

  • There are indications that she may be responding to stimuli, such as her eyes appearing to follow her mother's voice or movements.

Mobility and Brain Injury

The extent of Maya's brain damage remains a significant concern, influencing her physical capabilities.

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  • Damage to the brain stem is a key factor.

  • While she moves her left side, her right side has shown limited to no movement, although recent reports suggest some movement on the right.

  • Doctors have expressed uncertainty about the degree of movement and function she will ultimately regain.

Family and Public Support

Maya's situation has garnered considerable attention and support.

  • A GoFundMe campaign has been established to aid her recovery.

  • Thousands of people, many of them strangers, have offered support through online comments and donations.

  • Her mother continues to speak to her, sing to her, and express pride in her progress.

Expert Analysis

The nature of Maya's injuries, described as significant brain damage from a bullet exiting the head and neck, coupled with comparisons to stroke-like effects, indicates a serious neurological challenge. The reported improvements, such as independent breathing and increased motor responses, are positive signals. However, the phrase "still a long road" from her mother, alongside medical warnings about limited movement, underscores that her recovery is likely to be protracted and may involve long-term rehabilitation. The presence of bullet fragments within her brain also presents ongoing medical considerations.

Conclusion

Maya Gebala's journey following the Tumbler Ridge shooting has progressed from a critical state to one of developing recovery. The evidence points to her actively fighting for her life and showing measurable improvements, including independent breathing and initial motor responses. The severe nature of her brain injury means that the full extent of her recovery remains uncertain, and the path ahead is acknowledged by her family and medical professionals as being long. The global outpouring of support highlights the significant impact of the incident. Further updates will likely focus on her continued physical and neurological rehabilitation.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What is the latest update on Maya Gebala's condition after the Tumbler Ridge school shooting?
Maya Gebala, 12, who was shot at Tumbler Ridge Secondary School, is showing signs of improvement. She has been moved from extreme critical condition to the intensive care unit and is breathing on her own.
Q: What specific improvements has Maya Gebala shown since the shooting?
Maya is now moving her left side, including her hand and leg, and her eyes are fluttering. She is also breathing independently, which has reduced the need for ventilator support.
Q: What kind of injuries did Maya Gebala sustain in the Tumbler Ridge shooting?
Maya sustained gunshot wounds to her head and neck. A bullet exited her head, causing significant damage to her brain, particularly the brain stem, which doctors have described as similar to a stroke.
Q: What is the outlook for Maya Gebala's recovery?
While Maya is showing encouraging signs of recovery, her mother states it is still a long road. Doctors have warned about potential long-term limitations in movement and function due to the brain injury.
Q: How much support has Maya Gebala received after the Tumbler Ridge shooting?
Maya has received significant support from thousands of people, including donations through a GoFundMe campaign and many messages of encouragement online.