The quiet community of Tumbler Ridge, British Columbia, remains in stunned silence following the tragic events of February 10, 2026. A typical morning at Tumbler Ridge Secondary School turned into one of the deadliest mass shootings in Canadian history, leaving nine dead and twenty-seven injured. Among the survivors is twelve-year-old Maya, a bright and spirited student whose fight for life has become a symbol of hope amid profound grief.
Maya is currently in critical condition at Vancouver Children’s Hospital, having been airlifted from the remote northern interior after sustaining gunshot wounds to her head and neck. Her mother, Cia Edmonds, has been providing heartfelt updates from her daughter’s bedside, describing the harrowing transition from a normal school day to a battle for survival that no parent should endure. Edmonds shared on social media the emotional toll of watching Maya undergo neurosurgery and life support, noting that despite the severity of her injuries, Maya is “lucky” compared to the families mourning those who did not survive.
Maya’s medical challenges are significant. Her cousin, Krysta Hunt, explained that surgeons focused on a life-threatening brain bleed and are now monitoring how her neurological system responds. Additionally, a wound in her neck poses ongoing concerns, with doctors assessing whether it has caused further damage to her spine or vascular system. Her survival through the first seventy-two hours has been described as a small miracle, with family members praising her strength and fighting spirit.
Meanwhile, the RCMP continues to reconstruct the shooter’s actions. Eighteen-year-old Jesse van Rootselaar has been identified as the perpetrator, with evidence suggesting he killed his mother and stepbrother at home before driving to the school, where he ended his rampage by taking his own life. Authorities are examining his digital history and personal background to understand the motives behind the attack.
Community support has been overwhelming. A GoFundMe campaign for the Edmonds family has quickly surpassed $255,000 to help cover medical expenses and long-term care. Maya’s road to recovery will be long and arduous, requiring years of rehabilitation for the traumatic brain injury she sustained.
The shooting has reignited national debates on school safety and firearm legislation in Canada, as well as discussions on identifying and assisting at-risk youth. However, for the Edmonds family, the immediate focus is on Maya’s survival, not politics. Candlelight vigils have been held across British Columbia, honoring victims and uniting the small town in mourning.
As investigators continue to uncover details surrounding the tragedy, the Edmonds family asks for prayers and support for Maya, whose determination and resilience in the ICU stand as a testament to the strength of life in the face of unthinkable horror.