Tumbler Ridge, British Columbia, is grappling with the aftermath of a devastating school shooting that left eight people dead and several others injured. As the community mourns, a growing chorus of voices – including the parents of those impacted – are calling for increased access to mental health resources in the region. The tragedy has ignited a conversation about the systemic gaps in care and the urgent need for support, particularly in rural and isolated communities.
Among those critically injured is 12-year-old Maya Gebala, who remains in a medically induced coma at BC Children’s Hospital in Vancouver. Her mother, Cia Edmonds, is at her daughter’s bedside, and has spoken out about the need to address the root causes of such violence. “People are trying to politicize what happened, but this isn’t about gun control, it’s not about transgender issues, it’s about mental health, it’s about a lack of resources,” Edmonds stated, according to reporting from CBC News.
The shooting, which occurred at Tumbler Ridge Secondary School on Tuesday, has shaken the small northern British Columbia town. The shooter, Jesse Van Rootselaar, carried two firearms and killed six people at the school, in addition to her mother and half-brother. The incident has prompted a critical examination of the mental health support available to individuals in need, and the challenges of providing care in remote areas.
Jonathan Morris, CEO of the British Columbia Mental Health Association, highlighted the difficulties in accessing mental healthcare in communities like Tumbler Ridge. “In British Columbia, access to these services faces real obstacles, including geographical ones, distances, and technological limitations,” Morris explained. “However, this is a challenge we must address, because access to adequate mental health care within communities, no matter where you live, is essential and can save lives.”
Authorities had been aware of Van Rootselaar’s mental health struggles prior to the shooting. According to RCMP Superintendent Dwayne McDonald, she had been the subject of multiple police interventions and had been involuntarily hospitalized on several occasions under provincial mental health legislation. Morris explained that involuntary hospitalization is warranted when a mental illness severely impairs a person’s ability to function, poses a risk of harm to themselves or others, and the individual refuses treatment. He emphasized, however, that a lack of robust post-hospital care plans can lead to a cycle of repeated admissions and discharges.
“We’ve seen across the province – and not just in British Columbia – that people repeatedly meet the criteria for involuntary admission. They are, in a sense, admitted repeatedly, then discharged before being readmitted,” Morris observed. “This is a phenomenon that absolutely needs attention.”
In response to the tragedy, the Northern Health Authority temporarily extended the hours of the Tumbler Ridge health centre, providing access to mental health clinicians without appointments. The centre will remain open seven days a week from 7 a.m. To 11 p.m. Until March 6th, offering crucial support to residents grappling with grief and trauma.
The community is also focusing on long-term healing. Morris believes it may take time for residents to seek out these services, given the scale of the tragedy. “Listening to what the community needs in terms of resources is important. Sometimes it takes time to determine this given the magnitude of the tragedy,” he said, adding that grief support will be needed for weeks, and potentially months, to reach.
Maya Gebala’s story exemplifies the bravery displayed during the attack. According to her cousin, Krysta Hunt, Maya and her classmates attempted to lock the library door to protect themselves and others. Despite a broken lock, Maya continued to try and secure the door, allowing her classmates time to find cover. She was subsequently shot in the head and neck and remains in critical condition. Hunt told Global News that doctors are unsure if the bullet in Maya’s neck went all the way through, but are focusing on addressing the brain bleed first.
Another student injured in the shooting, Paige Hoekstra, is in stable condition at Vancouver General Hospital and may be discharged this weekend.
As Tumbler Ridge begins the long process of recovery, the focus remains on providing support to those affected and addressing the underlying issues that contributed to this tragedy. The call for increased mental health resources is a critical step towards preventing future incidents and ensuring the well-being of communities across British Columbia.
The coming weeks will be crucial in determining the long-term needs of the community and implementing effective support systems. Continued advocacy for mental health funding and accessible care will be essential to fostering a safer and more resilient future for Tumbler Ridge and beyond.
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If you or someone you understand is struggling with mental health, please reach out for facilitate. Resources are available, including the Canadian Mental Health Association at https://cmha.ca/ and the Crisis Services Canada at 1-833-456-4566.
