Tumbler Ridge in Mourning: Community Shocked by School Shooting

Thu Feb 12 2026 00:33:40 GMT+0200 (Eastern European Standard Time)

A small town in Canada grapples with the aftermath of a tragic shooting incident that left several dead and many injured, highlighting the tight-knit nature of the community.

Tumbler Ridge, a small Canadian town, is in shock following a school shooting that resulted in nine fatalities and over twenty injuries. Residents mourn as they navigate the fear and uncertainty brought on by this violence in their tight-knit community. Mayor Darryl Krakowka expresses profound grief, emphasizing the familial bonds among residents. Local council members and families recount their harrowing experiences during the lockdown and the emotional toll of the tragedy, which contrasts sharply with the town's previously low crime rates.

Tumbler Ridge in Mourning: Community Shocked by School Shooting

A small town in Canada grapples with the aftermath of a tragic shooting incident that left several dead and many injured.

Tumbler Ridge, a tight-knit community located 415 miles northeast of Vancouver, has been left devastated after a horrific shooting at a local secondary school and nearby homes claimed the lives of nine individuals and wounded at least 25 others.

Residents of the town, which boasts a population of just 2500, reported feeling the profound impact of the tragedy as their community's close-knit fabric was torn apart. Mayor Darryl Krakowka conveyed his sorrow, stating, I will know every victim. I've been here 19 years, and we're a small community. I don't call them residents. I call them family. His sentiments echoed throughout the community, capturing the essence of the bonds shared among residents.

As the news broke, anxiety filled the air, especially amongst parents. Chris Norbury, a local councillor, shared his fear and uncertainty while waiting to hear from his wife, who teaches at the secondary school. Knowing that a loved one is in danger is terrifying, he said, reflecting on the hours of uncertainty punctuated by the presence of emergency services responding to the scene.

Grade 12 student Darian Quist and his classmates reacted quickly when they realized something was wrong, barricading classroom doors and remaining huddled together for hours, fearing for their safety. Quist’s mother, who was at the local hospital, noted that panic set in as details began to emerge about the shooter. It's just one of those things when you just think it's never going to happen, she remarked, emphasizing the shock that enveloped the community.

Though the names of the victims have not yet been released, the emotional aftershock of this event weighs heavily on Tumbler Ridge. With crime being low and a sense of security previously felt by residents, the town now faces an uncertain future. Norbury questioned how this incident would affect the children’s willingness to attend school, underscoring a pivotal shift in their safety perceptions.

Amid the mourning, community leaders stress the importance of resilience and support as Tumbler Ridge begins to heal from this unprecedented tragedy.