Heartbreaking photos of children killed in school shooting | World | News
Victims of the Tumbler Ridge mass shooting (Image: Royal Canadian Mounted Police)
Police have released the first photos of children fatally shot in Canada’s deadliest school shooting in almost 40 years.
Suspected shooter Jesse Van Rootselaar (18) shot and killed three 12-year-old girls, two boys aged 12 and 13, and a 39-year-old female teacher at Tumbler Ridge Secondary School in British Columbia, Canada, on Tuesday, February 10.
It is understood the suspected attacker also killed a 39-year-old woman and an 11-year-old boy, who police identified as Van Rootselaar’s mother and half-sister. They had been shot by Van Rootselaar before the attack on the school.
It is understood that at least 25 people were injured in the attack.
The attack was the deadliest school shooting in the country since 14 students were killed at L’Ecole Polytechnique in Montreal in 1989.
“In consultation with families, the following photographs and personal testimonials are being shared to honor the lives lost,” the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) said in a statement on its website.
“RCMP is facilitating the release of these materials to support healing and help the community move forward together.”
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It was learned that 12-year-old Abel Mwansa was a student at Tumbler Ridge Secondary School.
He died after being fatally shot at school.
Abel Mwansa (Image: Royal Canadian Mounted Police)
It was learned that 13-year-old Ezekiel Schofield was a student at Tumbler Ridge Secondary School.
He died after being fatally shot at school.
Ezekiel Schofield (Image: Royal Canadian Mounted Police)
It was learned that 12-year-old Zoey Benoit was a student at Tumbler Ridge Middle School.
He died after being fatally shot at school.
Zoey’s family said she was a daughter, sister, niece, grandchild and friend. They described her as “resilient, vibrant, smart, caring and the strongest little girl you’ll ever meet.”
“She caused so much laughter and smiles in her presence,” Zoey’s family said.
“Our family is devastated by this loss, but we will forever hold his memories close to our hearts. He will be forever loved and never forgotten.”
Zoey Benoit (Image: Royal Canadian Mounted Police)
It appears that 12-year-old Kylie Smith was a student at Tumbler Ridge Middle School.
He died after being fatally shot at school.
“Kylie was the light in our family,” her family said.
“He loved his family, his friends and going to school. He was a talented artist and had dreams of going to art school in the big city of Toronto,” they added.
“Rest in peace my sweet girl, our family will never be the same without you.”
Kylie Smith (Image: Royal Canadian Mounted Police)
Emmett Jacobs, 11, appears to be the half-brother of the suspected Tumbler Ridge shooter.
He was fatally shot at his residence before the attack on Tumbler Ridge Secondary School.
Emmet Jacobs (Image: Royal Canadian Mounted Police)
Commerciala Lampert 12 appears to be a student at Tumbler Ridge Middle School.
He died after being fatally shot at school.
Commerciala’s photo was not shared.
Shannda Aviugana-Durand was fatally shot at Tumbler Ridge Middle School. It turned out that the 39-year-old was a teacher at the school.
Jennifer Jacobs was fatally shot at a residence before the attack on Tumbler Ridge Middle School. It turned out that the 39-year-old was the mother of the suspected attacker.
