The tight‑knit community of Tumbler Ridge, British Columbia, is reeling after a devastating act of gun violence that claimed the lives of nine people on February 10, 2026. Among those whose lives were cut short was Abel Mwansa Jr., a young individual taken far too soon in a senseless mass shooting at Tumbler Ridge Secondary School — a tragedy that has left an entire nation mourning.
The incident began in the early afternoon when an active shooter opened fire inside the halls of Tumbler Ridge Secondary School, a small public school serving roughly 165–175 students in grades 7 through 12. Law enforcement responded rapidly, but despite their swift action, multiple victims were found inside the school, and others were discovered at a nearby residence believed to be connected to the attack. In total, nine victims lost their lives, and more than two dozen others were injured, some critically.
Abel’s life was one of hope and promise. Family, friends, and community members will remember him for his unique spirit, his laughter, and the connections he forged with those around him. In communities like Tumbler Ridge — where everyone knows each other — a loss like this does not just ripple; it overwhelms. Abel’s passing is not just a statistic in news reports but a personal heartbreak for those who loved him.
Across Canada and beyond, people have expressed profound sorrow. Leaders have described the event as an “unimaginable tragedy,” and heartfelt condolences continue to pour in for all the families affected.
As the community begins the long process of healing, Abel Mwansa Jr.’s memory will live on in the stories shared by those who knew him — a reminder of the preciousness of life and the deep impact one person can have on the world.