Update: Victims Identified in Tumbler Ridge Secondary School Shooting; Suspect Jesse VanRootselaar Also Dead

Update: Victims Identified in Tumbler Ridge Secondary School Shooting; Suspect Jesse VanRootselaar Also Dead

Authorities have released the names of the victims following the tragic school shooting at Tumbler Ridge Secondary School on February 10, 2026, that left multiple people dead and several others injured.

RCMP responded to reports of an active shooter at approximately 1:20 p.m., issuing a Police Initiated Public Alert as officers rushed to secure the school. The alert was lifted at 5:45 p.m. after police confirmed there were no outstanding suspects and no ongoing threat to the public.

During their initial response, officers entered the school to locate and stop the threat. Inside, they found multiple victims as well as the deceased suspect, identified as 18-year-old Jesse Van Rootselaar, who investigators believe died from a self-inflicted injury.

Police confirmed that six victims were found deceased inside the school, including a 39-year-old female educator, two male students ages 12 and 13, and three 12-year-old female students. Two additional individuals were airlifted to hospital with serious or life-threatening injuries, while approximately 25 others were treated locally for non-life-threatening injuries.

As the investigation expanded, officers located two additional victims at a second residence connected to the suspect — a 39-year-old woman and an 11-year-old boy.

On February 12, RCMP released the identities of the victims:

• Abel Mwansa, 12

• Ezekiel Schofield, 13

• Kylie Smith, 12

• Zoey Benoit, 12

• Ticaria Lampert, 12

• Shannda Aviugana-Durand, 39

• Emmett Jacobs, 11

• Jennifer Jacobs, 39

Two firearms, described as a long gun and a handgun, were recovered at the scene.

BC RCMP Major Crime has taken over the investigation and continues working to determine the full circumstances surrounding the tragedy.

“This has been an incredibly difficult and emotional day for our community,” said Superintendent Ken Floyd, North District Commander. “Our thoughts are with the families and loved ones of all those impacted.”

Further updates will be provided as more information becomes available.