TUMBLER RIDGE – The tight-knit community of Tumbler Ridge is in mourning following a catastrophic shooting event on Tuesday, February 10, that claimed the lives of 10 people, including the suspected shooter.
The incident, which began early Tuesday afternoon, prompted a massive law enforcement response and a multi-hour “shelter-in-place” order that paralyzed the northeastern B.C. town.
Timeline of the Incident
The crisis began at approximately 1:20 p.m., when the Tumbler Ridge RCMP received reports of an active shooter at Tumbler Ridge Secondary School. Authorities quickly issued a Police Initiated Public Alert (PIPA), warning residents to lock their doors and remain indoors as the North District Emergency Response Team was deployed.
By late afternoon, police confirmed that the immediate threat had ended. The suspected shooter—described in initial alerts as a female with brown hair wearing a dress—was located deceased inside the school from what appeared to be a self-inflicted injury.
Casualties and Injuries
The scale of the tragedy spans two separate locations:
- Tumbler Ridge Secondary School: Six victims were found deceased inside the school building.
- Residential Location: Two additional victims were discovered at a home believed to be connected to the suspect.
- Medical Transport: One victim passed away while being transported to the hospital.
In addition to the fatalities, two individuals were airlifted to larger provincial hospitals with life-threatening injuries, and approximately 25 others were treated at the local medical centre for non-life-threatening injuries and shock.
Community Response
B.C. Premier David Eby described the event as an “unimaginable tragedy,” while local leaders, including Tumbler Ridge Mayor Darryl Krakowka, expressed devastation. School District 59 placed all area schools on lockdown during the event, only releasing elementary students to their parents after 5:00 p.m. once the scene was secured.
“Our thoughts are with the families, loved ones, and all those impacted by this tragic incident,” said RCMP North District Commander Supt. Ken Floyd. “This has been an incredibly difficult and emotional day for our community.”
Investigation Ongoing
While the RCMP believe there are no outstanding suspects, the Major Crime Unit remains on-site to investigate the motive and the connection between the school and the secondary residential scene. The shelter-in-place order was officially lifted at 5:45 p.m., and the Tumbler Ridge Health Centre remains under a “Code Orange” status to manage the ongoing medical and psychological needs of the community.
