In the wake of a devastating mass shooting in Tumbler Ridge, B.C., grieving friends and family members are starting to share more information about the victims who were killed or injured.
Police released the names of all eight deceased victims on Thursday, sharing photos of some of them.
One teacher and five students were killed in the shooting at the local high school, and two people were airlifted from the scene with serious injuries. The suspect’s mother and sibling were also killed in the family home.
As CTV News learns more about the victims of the tragedy, we will update this story with details about each one.
Zoey Benoit, 12, deceased
In a statement shared by the RCMP, the family of 12-year-old Zoey Benoit described her as “resilient, vibrant, smart, caring and the strongest little girl you could meet.”
The 12-year-old was a daughter, sister, niece, granddaughter and friend, the family said.
“Our family is devastated by this loss, but we will cherish her memories with us so close to our hearts forever,” they added.
“She will forever be loved and never forgotten. We miss you beautiful girl, Zoey we love you so much.”
Shannda Aviugana-Durand, 39, deceased
The B.C. Government Employees’ Union identified Aviugana-Durand as one of its members, saying further information will not be released at this time out of respect for the family.
“We are grieving the profound loss of one of our union members whose life was taken in this terrible event,” a social media post from the BCGEU said.
“We extend our deepest condolences to the family, friends, coworkers, and all those whose lives she touched.”
Abel Mwansa, 12, deceased
Twelve-year-old Abel Mwansa is being remembered by his father as a child who went to school with a “beautiful smile” on his face.
His dad, Abel Mwansa Sr. shared his grief online, mourning the future his son will never have.
“I saw a bright future, a leader, an engineer, also a scientist in you, because you loved doing experiments with explanation,” he wrote.
“I invested so much in you to make you a better person, one that will change the world.”
The bereft father also expressed how helpless he feels after the killings.
“If I had power to give life I would have brought you back to life together with others that were killed alongside you. But son, my power is limited,” he wrote.
“Seeing your child murdered at this age is heartbreaking.”
Ticaria Lampert, 12, deceased
Twelve-year-old Ticaria Lampert is being remembered as a “one-of-a-kind kiddo,” who was being raised by a single mom along with her seven siblings.
An online fundraiser has been launched to help the family, which offers a glimpse into who Ticaria was.
“Ticaria was such a loving, courageous, humorous, one of a kind kiddo and her life was cut short,” the GoFundMe says.
“Hold your loved ones tight. Tell your babies you love them. Rest easy sweet girl and all the others lost in this tragic event.”
CTV News has confirmed the victim’s identity with her family.
Kylie Smith, 12, deceased
Twelve-year-old Kylie Smith, who was the “light of her family,” is being identified by her grieving family as one of the students killed in a shooting at a Tumbler Ridge, B.C. high school Wednesday.
Her family spoke to CTV News Wednesday, from the small community that has been shattered by the shocking mass shooting that left nine people dead, including the suspect.
“She was just a beautiful soul. She loves art and anime. She wanted to go to school in Toronto, and we just loved her so much. She was thriving in high school,” her dad, Lance Young said.
“She never hurt a soul.”
Ezekiel Schofield, 13, deceased
Ezekiel’s grandfather Peter posted about the teen’s death Wednesday, saying he and his wife were travelling from the Lower Mainland to Tumbler Ridge to be close to their loved ones—thanking everyone who had already reached out to offer condolences and support.
“So many young lives were ended so needlessly. Our hearts are broken not only for Ezekiel, but for every family affected by this tragedy,” the post said.
“Please keep all of Tumbler Ridge in your thoughts and prayers as the community begins to navigate the days, weeks, and years ahead. We feel absolutely broken.”
Maya Edmonds, 12, injured
Maya Edmonds was airlifted to BC Children’s Hospital in Vancouver after the shooting. Her mother Cia Edmonds said on Facebook and in a GoFundMe that Maya had been shot in the head and neck and is in critical condition.
“This doesn’t even feel real,” Cia’s post reads. “I never thought I would be asking for prayers, but please, please, pray for my baby.”
- Read more: ‘Our baby needs a miracle’: 12-year-old Tumbler Ridge shooting victim in critical condition
Paige Hoekstra, 19, injured
The 19-year-old woman who was airlifted to hospital in serious condition following the shooting is “officially out of danger and in recovery,” according to her family.
Hoekstra was shot once in the chest at Tumbler Ridge Secondary School and airlifted to hospital in Vancouver.
Her sister said on social media Thursday that Paige has undergone successful surgery to assess and repair her wounds.
“Her whole family is here to support her through her recovery to get back to the Paige we all know and love,” her sister wrote.
“We are deeply comforted by the outstanding support displayed by our friends, family, and community and we would like to thank everybody for all of the support, prayers and well wishes.”
Jennifer Jacobs, 39, deceased
The shooter’s mother was identified as one of the victims police said was found at a home, which they described as a “secondary scene.”
Emmett Jacobs, 11, deceased
The suspect’s sibling—an 11-year-old boy—was also found in the home, according to authorities. His name was Emmett, CTV News learned.
Other than the family members, the RCMP said it was too early to comment on what relationship, if any, the suspect had with the people who were killed.
“There’s been much speculation within the community regarding the relationship between the shooter and some of the victims. All of that remains part of the active and ongoing investigation. We are not in a position to publicly confirm any specifics,” said Deputy Commissioner Dwayne McDonald, commanding officer of the B.C. RCMP, at a news conference.
The suspect who died of self-inflicted gunshot wounds at the school has been identified as Jesse Van Rootselaar—an 18-year-old who police said was “born as a biological male” and “identified as female, both socially and publicly.”
