Tumbler Ridge shooting survivor to get rehab paid for by UFC prez

Maya Gebala suffered major brain damage after being shot during the Feb. 10 mass shooting in Tumbler Ridge, B.C.

Published Apr 10, 2026 • Last updated 25 minutes ago • 2 minute read

Tumbler Ridge, B.C. shooting survivor Maya Gebala, 12, recovering in hospital in Vancouver Photo by Cia Edmonds/Facebook

The family of 12-year-old Tumbler Ridge, B.C., shooting survivor Maya Gebala is taking UFC President Dana White up on his offer of looking after her rehabilitation needs.

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Gebala’s mother, Cia Edmonds, posted on her Facebook page on Thursday that they will be headed to L.A. for private rehab care.

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“After many nights of research, questioning, and fear of the unknown, we decided to say yes to an opportunity for an aggressive approach to her rehabilitation through privatized health care,” Edmonds wrote.

“We are excited. As well as nervous, away from family and resources, an opportunity we couldn’t refuse. We wait for all the moving parts to line up and create a path to pursue. until then, we live somewhere in the middle.”

Gabala, who suffered significant brain damage in the Feb. 10 mass shooting in Tumbler Ridge, is currently in B.C. Children’s Hospital in Vancouver, and can’t be moved until she can handle the transfer to L.A.

Edmonds previously announced White’s offer to help with rehab in a March 25 post on Facebook, saying he reached out to the family after the young girl, who suffered both head and neck injuries in the shooting, had been in intensive care for a week.

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White offered to fully pay for Maya’s medical needs “in one of the world’s most top tier hospitals in LA California,” and for the family’s accommodations while there.

The hospital wasn’t specifically named.

“It’s incredible really,” wrote Edmonds on March 25. “I would have never thought this is where this would go. I’m finally excited to see her become the best version of who she can be through all this.”

Maya’s name put on octagon post at UFC event

At UFC Fight Night: Strickland vs. Hernandez on Feb. 21in Houston, Maya’s first and last name could be seen on one of the upper supports of the Octagon, where the fights are held. Maya’s father, David Gebala, shared the video in a Facebook post: “Big shout out to the UFC for doing this for our amazing little warrior Maya.”

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Added Edmonds on Facebook: “For anyone who watches UFC, they put my babes name in the ring. Super cool.”

Maya was shot by Jesse Van Rootselaar, 18, during a mass shooting when six people were killed at a school and two others in a home in the remote B.C. town of Tumbler Ridge.

“My hope is when we land in LA we will be able to build routine and relationships, that will hopefully feel normal(ish)?” wrote Edmonds in her Thursday Facebook post.

“Until then, her and I stay in airbnbs, so she can have a room, and we can have breakfast together.. right now, this feels like the best i can do for her. A new chapter starts soon and we welcome it.”