Mother of critically injured Tumbler Ridge victim says she feels compassion for shooter’s mother

The small British Columbia community of Tumbler Ridge is reeling after a mass shooting at Tumbler Ridge Secondary School on Tuesday left eight people dead, including students, an educator, and the shooter’s mother and half-brother. Amidst the grief, the parents of 12-year-old Maya Gebala are clinging to hope as their daughter fights for her life at B.C. Children’s Hospital in Vancouver.

A Community in Crisis

Maya, a Grade 7 student, was airlifted to the hospital after sustaining multiple gunshot wounds – at least three to her head and neck, according to her parents, Cia Edmonds and David Gebala. Doctors initially sedated Maya, but ceased doing so on Thursday to assess her neurological response, and she has since exhibited encouraging signs, including movement in her left hand and leg, and coughing.

Did You Know? Maya Gebala, a 12-year-old student, was excited to work on a catapult project at school and planned to visit her mother’s shop on the day of the shooting.

The parents’ relief at these small movements is immense. David Gebala described his daughter as “way too stubborn to let this…” before his voice broke with emotion, expressing his belief that she will recover. The family has been buoyed by an outpouring of support, including thousands of comments on social media and a GoFundMe campaign raising funds for Maya’s care.

Beyond the Immediate Tragedy

While celebrating Maya’s fight, her parents are also grappling with the broader implications of the tragedy. They are troubled by social media posts that seek to politicize the event, particularly those directing anger towards Jennifer Strang, the mother of the 18-year-old shooter, Jesse Van Rootselaar, who also died in the attack.

Cia Edmonds revealed she was friends with Strang and had previously babysat Jesse Van Rootselaar. She expressed her grief for all those affected, including Strang, noting that the single mother worked long shifts at a nearby mine while striving to help her son. Edmonds shared that Van Rootselaar had previously attempted to set a fire and had a history of mental health hospitalizations.

Expert Insight: The parents’ frustration with the politicization of this tragedy highlights a common challenge following mass casualty events – the impulse to assign blame or advance specific agendas can overshadow the immediate needs of victims and their families, and can impede a nuanced understanding of the underlying factors.

The sequence of events on Tuesday unfolded quickly. After receiving a lockdown notification, Edmonds initially remained calm, but her concern escalated when a friend reported seeing armed police officers entering the school building. She then learned, via text message from another student’s father, that Maya had been shot: “He says, ‘Dad, I’m fine.’ And I said, ‘Ask him how Maya is.’ And then he shows me again, and it says, ‘Maya’s been dragged out, and I believe she’s been shot.'”

Witness accounts suggest fellow students attempted to help Maya after she and a teacher were struck by gunfire. Surgeons have cautioned that Maya’s recovery is uncertain, but her parents remain hopeful, citing the recent improvements in her condition.

What Happens Next?

If Maya continues to show positive responses to reduced sedation, doctors may gradually increase her level of consciousness to further assess her neurological function. However, the extent of her potential recovery remains unclear, and she could face a long and challenging rehabilitation process. The community of Tumbler Ridge may continue to grapple with grief and trauma in the weeks and months ahead, and could see increased demand for mental health services. Further investigation into the shooter’s background and motives is likely, but the focus remains on supporting the victims and their families.

Frequently Asked Questions

What injuries did Maya Gebala sustain?

Maya Gebala suffered at least three gunshot wounds to her head and neck, according to her parents, Cia Edmonds and David Gebala.

Who was Jesse Van Rootselaar?

Jesse Van Rootselaar was the 18-year-old shooter who died in the attack. He was the son of Jennifer Strang, who was also killed, and Edmonds says she used to babysit him as a child.

What are Maya’s parents’ concerns beyond their daughter’s health?

Maya’s parents are concerned about social media posts that politicize the tragedy and direct anger towards the mother of the shooter, Jennifer Strang, whom Edmonds knew and felt for.

How do communities begin to heal after experiencing such profound loss and trauma?