Kylie May Smith

TUMBLER RIDGE, British Columbia — The family of 12-year-old Kylie May Smith has confirmed she was among those killed in the mᴀss shooting at Tumbler Ridge Secondary School on February 10, 2026 — one of the ᴅᴇᴀᴅliest school attacks in Canada in decades.

Kylie’s death was shared publicly by her relatives through an online fundraising campaign established to ᴀssist the family in the wake of the tragedy.

The campaign was organized by her aunt, Shanon Dycke, who described the family as “completely devastated” and struggling to process the loss.

In a public message, Dycke said the funds would help support Kylie’s mother, Desirae, her brother Ethan, and other relatives with travel costs and memorial arrangements.

She remembered Kylie as a “beautiful, kind, innocent soul” whose life was cut short far too soon.

Authorities confirmed that nine people died in the shooting, including the suspect, identified as Jesse van Rootselaar, 18.

According to the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP), Rootselaar was found deceased at the school with what appeared to be a self-inflicted injury.

During a press conference, RCMP Deputy Commissioner Dwayne McDonald stated that among the victims inside the school were one teacher and five students — three 12-year-old girls and two boys aged 12 and 13.

One victim was located in a stairwell, while others were found in the school library.

In addition to the fatalities at the school, police confirmed that Rootselaar’s mother and his 11-year-old stepbrother were found deceased at the family residence earlier that day.

Investigators continue to examine the timeline of events leading up to the attack.

The motive behind the shooting remains under active investigation.

Law enforcement officials have not released additional details regarding what may have prompted the violence.

Community members gathered outside Tumbler Ridge Secondary School in the days following the tragedy, leaving flowers, candles, and handwritten messages of support.

The small northern British Columbia town, home to roughly 2,400 residents, has been deeply shaken by the loss.

In her statement, Shanon Dycke said the family’s world “has crumbled” but expressed graтιтude for the outpouring of support from across Canada.

As investigations continue, authorities have urged anyone with relevant information to come forward while counseling services remain available for students, families, and staff affected by the tragedy.

The names of the remaining victims have not all been publicly released as officials continue to notify families.

Kylie May Smith is being remembered by loved ones as a bright and caring young girl whose memory will endure within her family and community.