The B.C. RCMP has released the names of six children and two women who were shot and killed in Tumbler Ridge, B.C., on Feb. 10.
Condolences have poured in from across Canada and around the world for northeastern B.C. community of about 2,700 people.
The shooting took place at Tumbler Ridge Secondary School and a home in the community.
Police said the 18-year-old suspect, Jesse Van Rootselaar, was found dead of a self-inflicted injury at the school.
Police said they released the names in consultation with the victims’ families to honour the lives lost.
“As the community continues to process this profound loss, it remains essential that the focus stays on the victims, their families, and all those affected by this tragedy,” said RCMP in the statement.
Victims of shooting at Tumbler Ridge Secondary School:
Abel Mwansa, age 12
Abel’s family say they’re from Zambia. His father, also named Abel Mwansa, said in a post on social media the 12-year-old loved going to school and had planned to attend a youth group meeting at his church after school on Tuesday.
Ezekial Schofield, age 13
Peter Schofield says on Facebook Ezekial was his grandson. “Everything feels so surreal. The tears just keep flowing,” he said.
Ticaria Lampert, age 12
A GoFundMe page for the family of Ticaria, also known as Tiki, said she was one of eight children to a single mother. The page describes her as a “a loving, courageous, humorous, one of a kind kiddo.”
Zoey Benoit, age 12
Zoey’s family say in a statement released by the RCMP she loved spending time her family.
“She was so resilient, vibrant, smart, caring and the strongest little girl you could meet. She brought so much laughter and smiles in her presence,” the family said.
Kylie Smith, age 12
“We are completely devastated and have no words as we try to process the magnitude of the situation,” said Kylie’s aunt, Shanon Dycke, on a GoFundMe page for the family.
Kylie’s family said in a statement she was a talented artist and had dreams of going to art school in the big city of Toronto.
Shannda Aviugana-Durand, age 39
B.C. RCMP did not provide a photo of Aviugana-Durand, but said she was an educator at the school.
The B.C. General Employees Union said in a statement she was a member of the union.
“We extend our deepest condolences to the family, friends, coworkers, and all those whose lives she touched,” said the BCGEU.
Police said the suspect’s mother and step-brother were also found dead at a home in Tumbler Ridge.
Emmett Jacobs, age 11
Jennifer Jacobs, age 39
Two victims remain in hospital with serious injuries
RCMP said a 12-year-old girl and a 19-year-old woman were airlifted to hospital after the shooting at the school. An update on Wednesday said they remained in serious condition.
A GoFundMe page for 12-year-old Maya Gebala has raised more than $300,000 as of Thursday afternoon. The page said the girl is critical care at B.C. Children’s Hospital in Vancouver, with gunshot wounds to her head and neck.
Anyone affected by the tragedy can contact the 24-hour Crisis Services Canada line at 1-833-456-4566 or text 45645 to connect with support.
