A 12-year-old girl remains in critical condition following the tragic school shooting at Tumbler Ridge Secondary School in British Columbia, Canada, on Tuesday, February 10.
The devastating incident, now considered the fourth deadliest mass shooting in Canadian history, resulted in nine fatalities and left 27 others injured. Communities across the country continue to mourn as families face unimaginable loss.
Child Airlifted to Children’s Hospital With Severe Injuries
Among the injured is 12-year-old Maya, a student at the school. She was airlifted to Vancouver Children’s Hospital for emergency treatment after suffering life-threatening injuries. Reports indicate she sustained gunshot wounds to the head and neck.
Her mother, Cia Edmonds, shared an emotional update from the hospital as her daughter undergoes critical care treatment.
“I’m writing this post sitting in Vancouver Children’s Hospital while my daughter fights for her life,” Edmonds wrote.
She described how the day began normally before turning into a nightmare.
“Today started as any other. Now my 12-year-old daughter is fighting for her life while doctors try to repair the damage from a gunshot wound to the head and one to the neck.”
“Please Pray for My Baby”
Despite the seriousness of her condition, Edmonds acknowledged that her daughter survived the initial attack — something not all families can say.
“She is one of the lucky ones, I suppose,” she wrote, offering condolences to other families affected by the tragedy. “This doesn’t even feel real. I never thought I would be asking for prayers, but please, please pray for my baby.”
The heartbreaking message has resonated widely, drawing support from across Canada and beyond.
Medical Team Monitoring Critical Brain Injury
According to Krysta Hunt, Edmonds’ cousin, Maya underwent surgery to address internal bleeding in her brain. Doctors are now closely monitoring how she responds to treatment.
“She had surgery yesterday to try and repair the brain bleed, and they are waiting to see how she responds,” Hunt told CityNews. “She’s fighting for her life right now.”
Medical professionals are also evaluating whether the bullet wound to her neck passed through completely or remains lodged, adding uncertainty to her recovery outlook.
“She wasn’t sure that she would make it through the night,” Hunt added. “The fact that she has shows so much strength already.”
Investigation Ongoing in Public Safety Crisis
Authorities have identified 18-year-old Jesse van Rootselaar as the suspected shooter. According to reports, the individual allegedly killed family members at home before going to the school, where the attack unfolded.
The suspect was later found deceased at the scene from what authorities believe was a self-inflicted gunshot wound.
Law enforcement agencies continue to investigate the circumstances surrounding the attack, while national conversations around school safety, youth violence prevention, and mental health resources intensify.
Community Support and Recovery Fund
As Maya remains in critical care, community members have rallied around her family. A GoFundMe campaign established to assist with medical expenses and long-term recovery costs has raised more than $255,000.
The outpouring of financial assistance and emotional support reflects the broader desire to help families affected by this public safety tragedy.
Our thoughts remain with Maya, her family, and all those impacted by this heartbreaking event.