Authorities have released the identities of three of the young victims killed in Tuesday’s massacre at a British Columbia high school — as Canada grieves one of the worst shooting rampages in its history.
Gunman Jesse Van Rootselaar, 18, a transgender former student who dropped out of Tumbler Ridge Secondary School four years ago, murdered his mother and 11-year-old stepbrother at home before unleashing his assault at the school, killing a teacher and five students and wounding 25 others.
Kylie May Smith, 12
Kylie May Smith was just 12 years old when she was heartlessly gunned down at school, leaving her family heartbroken as they desperately try to comprehend the tragedy.
“Yesterday our family received the gut-wrenching news that our beautiful Kylie May was confirmed to be one of the victims in the Tumbler Ridge school shooting,” her aunt, Shanon Dycke, wrote on a GoFundMe set up to provide assistance to the shattered family.
“We are completely devastated and have no words as we try to process the magnitude of the situation.”
Her family described her as a “beautiful, kind innocent soul,” who leaves behind a brother
“My heart aches for the other families involved and for the loss of their children. I am so sorry. To the families with children still in the hospital; keep fighting. We are sending you prayers.”
Abel Mwansa Jr., 12
Abel Mwansa Jr.’s father had high hopes for his son’s future, believing him capable of one day becoming a great leader, an engineer or a scientist.
“I invested so much in you to make you a better person, one that will change the world,” his grieving father, Abel, wrote in a touching Facebook tribute post.
“If I had the power to give life I Would have brought you back to life together with others that were killed alongside you, but son my power is limited,” he wrote.
“And seeing your child murdered at this age is heart breaking. I was broken when I saw you packed in that BLACK BAG lifeless and zipped up like we see in movies was devastating.”
A tribute article in the National Post said the 12-year-old loved school so much that he cried when his father raised the idea of homeschooling.
His father said he raised his son “to respect elders, to answer one call, be strong, work hard and never miss school.”
Eziekiel Schofield, 13
Eziekiel Schofield’s anguished grandfather, Peter, wrote a memorial post on social media, sharing the family’s unimaginable heartbreak.
“We feel absolutely broken. Everything feels so surreal, the tears just keep flowing. So many young lives were ended so needlessly. Our hearts are broken not only for Eziekiel but for every family affected by this tragedy,” the elder Schofield wrote.
According to a tribute in The Star, Eziekiel was played forward with his local U-15 Tumbler Ridge Raptors hockey team.
On Thursday, two days after the shooting, a parent of one of his teammates rented out a local skating rink for members of the community to gather and mourn.
“We have heard from so many dear friends and family members, both near and far, and we are incredibly grateful for the outpouring of love and heartfelt condolences during this devastating time. Your messages, prayers, and support mean more to us than words can express,” he said.
