Tumbler Ridge in Shock: Deadly Shooting Rocks Small BC Town
On the afternoon of February 10, 2026, the tight-knit mountain town of Tumbler Ridge, British Columbia (population ~2,700) was rocked by a tragedy that has left the nation reeling. What was once a peaceful community known for its scenic landscapes and close neighbors became the site of one of Canada’s deadliest mass shootings in modern history. Nine people lost their lives—including the suspected shooter—and dozens more were injured, leaving residents grappling with grief, trauma, and profound questions about safety and community.
A Quiet Town Shattered
Tumbler Ridge has long been a place where neighbors know each other by name, children play freely in snow-dusted streets, and families share deep connections. That calm was shattered shortly after 1:20 p.m. when gunfire erupted on Fellers Avenue. The suspected shooter, 18-year-old Jesse Van Rootselaar, allegedly first killed his 39-year-old mother and 11-year-old half-brother at a private residence before moving on to Tumbler Ridge Secondary School, where students in grades 8–12 study, socialize, and plan their futures.
Inside the school, the suspect reportedly killed five students—aged 12 to 13—and a 39-year-old educational assistant. The shooter was later found dead from an apparent self-inflicted gunshot wound. In total, six victims died at the school and two at the residence. At least 27 others were injured, many of them students and staff, with some in critical condition.
Heroic Response
Within minutes, RCMP officers arrived, entering the building under fire to evacuate students and staff. Snow crunched under fleeing feet as alarms blared and helicopters hovered above. Despite the chaos, emergency responders acted swiftly to save lives, a testament to their courage and training in the face of unprecedented violence.
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