Heroic 12-Year-Old Maya Gebala Fights for Life After Tumbler Ridge School Shooting: Tried to Lock Library Door to Save Classmates

By National Correspondent Jordan Lee

TUMBLER RIDGE, British Columbia – In the remote northern community of Tumbler Ridge, a quiet Tuesday morning shattered into unimaginable horror when an 18-year-old former student unleashed gunfire at Tumbler Ridge Secondary School, killing six people—including five children and one educator—before dying by suicide. The tragedy, which also claimed the lives of the suspect’s mother and 11-year-old half-brother at their home earlier that day, has left eight dead and dozens injured, including critically wounded 12-year-old Maya Gebala, who is fighting for her life in Vancouver’s BC Children’s Hospital after being shot multiple times in the head and neck.

ici.radio-canada.ca

Name, photo of 12-year-old girl wounded in Tumbler Ridge, B.C., mass shooting released | Radio-Canada.ca

The attack unfolded on February 10, 2026, when Jesse Van Rootselaar, identified by the RCMP as an 18-year-old who had dropped out years earlier and identified as female after transitioning, first killed Jennifer Jacobs, 39, and Emmett Jacobs, 11, at the family residence. Armed with two firearms, Van Rootselaar then proceeded to the school, where chaos erupted primarily in the library. Authorities confirmed the suspect died from a self-inflicted gunshot wound inside the building.

cp24.com

Tumbler Ridge shooter image released by RCMP

Amid the terror, Grade 7 student Maya Gebala displayed extraordinary bravery. Family members, including cousin Krysta Hunt and parents Cia Edmonds and David Gebala, recounted how Maya and classmates heard screams and chaos approaching. “Maya tried to lock the door of the library from the shooter to save the other kids,” Hunt told reporters. “She then ran and hid under a table, but was shot.” Reports indicate she suffered at least three gunshot wounds—one grazing her cheek and ear, with others striking her head and neck. Airlifted for emergency brain surgery, Maya remains in critical but stable condition, intubated and heavily bandaged, with her mother sharing hopeful signs like slight hand movements.

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WATCH: Family members say 12-year-old Maya Gebala is fighting for her life after suffering two gunshot wounds during the Tumbler Ridge mass shooting. As Jack Rabb (@Jack__Rabb) reports, Maya remains in critical

The victims killed at the school include 12-year-olds Kylie Smith (an aspiring artist), Zoey Benoit, Ticaria Lampert, Abel Mwansa Jr. (a budding scientist), and 13-year-old Ezekiel Schofield (a hockey enthusiast), along with educational assistant Shannda Aviugana-Durand, 39. Police described the shootings as random, with bodies found in the library and stairwell. The community of about 2,400 has been plunged into grief, with makeshift memorials of flowers, stuffed animals, and candles sprouting near the school and hospital.

bloomberg.com

Ten Dead, Dozens Injured in British Columbia School Shooting, Canada Police Say – Bloomberg

Outside BC Children’s Hospital, classmates and supporters have gathered with flickering candles, calling Maya a hero and praying for her recovery. “Our baby needs a miracle,” her mother said in emotional interviews, while expressing compassion for the shooter’s family despite the devastation. The parents urged the public to support Tumbler Ridge victims and avoid politicizing the tragedy.

halifax.citynews.ca

What we know about the victims in the Tumbler Ridge mass shooting

Investigators revealed Van Rootselaar had a history of mental health concerns, with multiple RCMP visits to the home for welfare checks related to self-harm. Online activity reportedly included violent extremism interests and a deleted gaming account simulating mass violence. Platforms like YouTube and Roblox removed related content post-incident. The biological father issued a statement expressing profound sorrow and condolences.

Prime Minister Mark Carney, along with opposition leaders, visited to pay tribute at growing memorials. A GoFundMe for Maya’s family and other victims has raised significant funds for medical and travel expenses.

As doctors battle to save Maya, the small town’s resilience shines through shared grief and support. Her act of courage—running toward danger to protect others—has inspired a nation, reminding all of the fragile line between everyday life and tragedy.