Authorities have confirmed that 18-year-old Jesse Van Rootselaar, also known as Jesse Strang, was responsible for a deadly mass shooting in Tumbler Ridge, British Columbia, that left 10 people dead, including the suspect. RCMP said the violence began Tuesday at a private residence before continuing at Tumbler Ridge Secondary School in the northeastern B.C. community. Van Rootselaar later died from a self-inflicted gunshot wound inside the school.
Jesse Van Rootselaar Death, Tumbler Ridge, BC ObituaryPolice reported that six victims were found inside the secondary school, including one female teacher, three female students, and two male students between the ages of 13 and 17. Most of those who died were discovered in the school library, with one victim located in a stairwell. Investigators also found the bodies of the suspect’s mother, 39-year-old Jennifer Strang, and his 11-year-old stepbrother at a nearby residence connected to the attack.
In total, 10 people died as a result of the shooting. Two additional victims were airlifted to hospital with serious or life-threatening injuries, while about 25 others were treated for non-life-threatening injuries. One victim died while being transported to hospital, according to RCMP. Officers first responded to reports of an active shooter around 1:20 p.m., prompting lockdowns and an emergency alert that was lifted later that evening.
RCMP said Van Rootselaar was a former student who dropped out roughly four years ago and had previous interactions with police related to mental health concerns. Firearms had been seized from the family residence in the past and later returned. Investigators recovered two weapons at the school. Authorities say the investigation remains ongoing as the community grapples with one of the deadliest incidents in the region’s history.
