By The Canadian Press

RCMP name victims of Tumbler Ridge shootings to ‘honour the lives lost’

Feb 12, 2026 | 2:00 AM

TUMBLER RIDGE — RCMP have named those who died in shootings in Tumbler Ridge, B.C., this week, including the five children and teacher who were killed at a school and the mother and stepbrother of the shooter.

The victims at Tumbler Ridge Secondary School were Abel Mwansa, Kylie Smith, Zoey Benoit and Ticaria Lampert, all aged 12, as well as 13-year-old Ezekiel Schofield and educator Shannda Aviugana-Durand, 39.

The mother of the shooter is identified as Jennifer Jacobs, who was also known as Jennifer Strang, 39, who died at her home with 11-year-old Emmett Jacobs.

All eight died on Tuesday at the hands of Jacobs’ daughter, Jesse Van Rootselaar, who then killed herself at the school.

RCMP say the names and photos of the victims are being released in consultation with the families, and to “honour the lives lost.”

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Some of the photos are accompanied by personal statements from their families, including messages describing Zoey as “vibrant, smart, caring and the strongest little girl you could meet” and Kylie as “the light” in her family.

This report by The Canadian Press was first published Feb. 12, 2026.

The Canadian Press