12-Year-Old Student Among Victims of Tumbler Ridge School Shooting; GoFundMe Launched for Family Support

 The tragic mass shooting at Tumbler Ridge Secondary School has left the community in shock and mourning after nine lives were lost, including the suspected shooter. Among the victims was 12-year-old Kylie May Smith, whose family described her as a “beautiful, kind, innocent soul.” The devastating attack has prompted an outpouring of grief from families, classmates, and neighbors, highlighting the profound impact of school violence on small communities.

Kylie’s aunt, Shanon Dycke, set up a GoFundMe campaign to support the family during this heartbreaking time. The fundraiser is intended to help cover travel expenses for grieving relatives and create a memorial in Kylie’s honor. In her statement, Dycke expressed the family’s devastation, saying, “Our families’ world has crumbled” following the loss of her beloved niece. Kylie’s mother, Desirae, and her brother, Ethan, are among those directly affected, trying to navigate life after this unimaginable tragedy.

Authorities confirmed that the shooting, which occurred on Tuesday, February 10, claimed a total of nine lives. The victims included one teacher and five students—three 12-year-old girls and two boys aged 12 and 13. Tragically, the suspect, 18-year-old Jesse van Rootselaar, was also found dead at the school with what appeared to be a self-inflicted injury. The remaining two fatalities were van Rootselaar’s mother and his 11-year-old stepbrother, discovered at their home. Law enforcement continues to investigate the circumstances leading up to the attack, while the community struggles to come to terms with the scale of the loss.

School shootings like this underscore ongoing concerns about safety in educational institutions across North America. They also amplify discussions about mental health support for both students and families, as well as preventative measures to protect young lives. Local authorities, educators, and community organizations are emphasizing the importance of counseling and support programs in the aftermath, seeking to help students cope with trauma while promoting awareness to prevent future incidents.

As the story continues to unfold, residents of Tumbler Ridge and nearby areas are planning vigils and memorials to honor the victims. Social media has also become a hub for tributes and messages of solidarity, as families, friends, and even strangers offer support during this devastating period. The heartbreaking loss of young lives, like Kylie’s, serves as a solemn reminder of the fragility of life and the urgent need for safety and vigilance in schools.

The community, while grief-stricken, is coming together to support one another. Law enforcement urges anyone with information about the incident to come forward, assisting in the ongoing investigation. Meanwhile, family, friends, and local leaders focus on preserving the memories of those lost and fostering healing amid a tragedy that has left a permanent mark on Tumbler Ridge.

Kylie May Smith, remembered for her innocence and warmth, and the other victims of this attack, will continue to be honored through memorials, support initiatives, and community solidarity as Tumbler Ridge works to navigate the long road of recovery.

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