A heartbreaking incident unfolded at Tumbler Ridge Secondary School in British Columbia, where 12-year-old Maya Gebala was critically injured while heroically attempting to shield her classmates from a teenage gunman. The shooting, which occurred on Tuesday, resulted in the tragic deaths of eight individuals, including three students, an educator, and a mother with her young son.
A Heroic Act
Maya Gebala remains in a precarious condition at British Columbia’s Children’s Hospital after being airlifted there following the shooting. According to her family, the young girl was shot twice by 18-year-old Jesse Van Rootselaar while trying to secure a library door against the assailant. As she attempted to protect her friends, Maya was hit by a bullet just above her left eye and another in her neck.
“[Maya] tried to lock the door of the library from the shooter to save the other kids, and then she tried to lock it and then ran and hid under a table and [got shot],” said her cousin, Krysta Hunt, in an interview with Global News. Friends alerted medics to Maya’s dire state when they noticed her finger moving despite the severity of her injuries.
Fundraising Efforts for Recovery
In light of the tragic circumstances, a GoFundMe campaign has been initiated to support Maya’s recovery and assist her mother, Cia, during this harrowing time. The campaign features an emotional note from Cia, expressing her anguish and the shocking reality of her daughter’s condition.
“Today started as any other,” she wrote. “Now, however, my 12-year-old daughter is fighting for her life while they try to repair the damage from a gunshot wound to the head and one to the neck.” Cia poignantly added, “She was a lucky one, I suppose. Condolences to the other families during this tragedy.”
In a touching tribute on social media, Cia encouraged Maya to keep fighting, describing her as “my climber. My builder. My hockey star.”
Investigating the Shooter’s Background
Authorities are working diligently to uncover the motive behind Jesse Van Rootselaar’s actions. Reports indicate that law enforcement had previously visited her home multiple times to address mental health concerns. During one of these visits, Van Rootselaar was admitted to the hospital under the Mental Health Act. When questioned about whether any of these incidents involved firearms, RCMP Deputy Commissioner Dwayne McDonald confirmed, “Yes.”
Despite having undergone a gender transition over the past six years, Van Rootselaar did not have any registered firearms, and her gun licence expired in 2024. The two weapons recovered from the scene were also not registered to her.
The Broader Implications
This tragic event has reignited conversations around gun control and mental health in Canada. As communities mourn the loss of life and grapple with the aftermath of such violence, the need for preventive measures and support systems becomes increasingly apparent.
Why it Matters
The Tumbler Ridge shooting is a stark reminder of the fragility of life and the courage that can emerge in moments of crisis. Maya Gebala’s brave actions underline the inherent goodness found among the youth, yet they also highlight the urgent need for comprehensive mental health support and stricter gun control policies. As the nation reflects on this tragedy, it is imperative to foster a dialogue that not only honours the victims but also paves the way for a safer future for all.
