Heroism Amidst Horror: 12‑Year‑Old Maya Gebala’s Fight for Life After Tumbler Ridge School Shooting
When violence erupted at Tumbler Ridge Secondary School in British Columbia on February 10, one brave act stood out amid the chaos. Twelve‑year‑old Maya Gebala didn’t run for cover — she ran toward danger in an effort to protect her classmates. Maya was shot in the head and neck as she tried to lock the library door to keep others safe from the gunman’s path.
The shooting has become one of the deadliest mass attacks in recent Canadian history, leaving eight victims dead — including students and a teacher — and dozens more injured. Authorities say the shooter, 18‑year‑old Jesse Van Rootselaar, first killed two relatives at home before opening fire at the school, and was later found dead from a self‑inflicted injury.
Maya’s Battle in the Hospital
Maya was airlifted to BC Children’s Hospital in Vancouver in critical condition after being wounded while trying to barricade the library. Her mother, Cia Edmonds, shared emotional updates — at times warning that doctors were unsure if Maya would survive the night due to the severity of her injuries.
In recent updates, doctors and her family have reported small but meaningful signs of improvement. Maya has shown eye movement, swelling reduction, and even tiny attempts to breathe on her own. While she still cannot breathe without support yet, these changes are encouraging after such devastating trauma.
Continue reading on the next page…