Full Breakdown
Community Mourns Victims of Tumbler Ridge Mass Shooting
2/16/2026, 10:08:45 PM
Tragic Incident Overview
On February 10, 2023, a mass shooting in Tumbler Ridge, British Columbia, resulted in the deaths of eight individuals, including six children. The shooter, 18-year-old Jesse Van Rootselaar, took her own life as police approached. The incident has been described as one of the worst mass shootings in Canadian history, prompting widespread grief and reflection within the affected communities.
Vigil in Langley
In response to the tragedy, several hundred people gathered in Langley on February 12, 2023, for a vigil to honor the victims. Attendees lit candles and laid flowers at a temporary memorial, sharing reflections and poems. Among the victims was 12-year-old Zoey Benoit, who had spent much of her childhood in Langley before moving to Tumbler Ridge. Emily Huang, a teacher-librarian at Zoey's former school, described her as "a burst of life, warmth, and a Kaleidoscope of colours." Organizer Natasha Fisher emphasized the importance of community support, stating, “Even from miles away, we want the people of Tumbler Ridge to know that they're not alone.”
Victims Identified
The Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) identified the victims as six children—Zoey Benoit, Ticaria Lampert, Abel Mwansa, Ezekiel Schofield, Kylie Smith, and Shannda Aviugana-Durand—and two adults, Jennifer Jacobs and her son, 11-year-old Emmett Jacobs. The victims were found at two locations: inside Tumbler Ridge Secondary School and at the home shared by Van Rootselaar and her family.
Investigation Details
The investigation into the shooting has progressed, with police interviewing over 80 individuals, including students and first responders. The crime scenes have been cleared, and police are gathering digital evidence, including videos from the school. The firearms used in the shooting included an unregistered shotgun and a modified rifle, both of which were taken to the school by Van Rootselaar. Notably, the shotgun had never been seized by police despite previous concerns regarding the household's firearms.
Mental Health and Motive
RCMP Assistant Commissioner Dwayne McDonald revealed that police had previously responded to the Jacobs home due to concerns about Van Rootselaar’s mental health. She had been apprehended under British Columbia’s Mental Health Act multiple times. Investigators do not believe Van Rootselaar targeted specific victims, describing her actions as “hunting” rather than personal vendetta. There is no evidence to suggest she was bullied at school, and no suicide note was found.
Community Response and Reflection
Langley City Mayor Nathan Pachal highlighted the emotional toll on both communities, stating, “People are grieving, upset and angry.” The vigil served as a platform for shared sorrow and solidarity, emphasizing the connection between Langley and Tumbler Ridge. Attendees expressed that the gathering provided a necessary space for collective mourning and remembrance.
Verbatim Quotes
- “Even from miles away, we want the people of Tumbler Ridge to know that they're not alone; their grief is shared, their community is supported, their loved ones are deeply mourned,” — Natasha Fisher, Vigil Organizer
- “Our family is devastated by this loss, but we will cherish her memories with us so close to our hearts forever,” — Family Statement on Zoey Benoit
- “People are grieving, upset and angry, there’s a lot of emotions right now … and it’s really important that we show solidarity with our brothers and sisters and our friends up north,” — Nathan Pachal, Langley City Mayor
The Tumbler Ridge mass shooting has left a profound impact on the communities involved, highlighting the need for ongoing support and reflection in the wake of such tragedies.
