In the quiet, close-knit mountain community of Tumbler Ridge, British Columbia, an ordinary school day turned into a nightmare on February 10, 2026. What began as a routine afternoon at Tumbler Ridge Secondary School—a small institution serving around 160-175 students—exploded into one of Canada’s deadliest mass shootings in decades.

Authorities responded swiftly after reports of an active shooter around 1:20 p.m. local time. The Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) arrived to find chaos inside the school. Six victims lay dead at the scene, with another succumbing to injuries en route to hospital. The suspected shooter, found deceased with what appeared to be a self-inflicted wound, was among the fatalities. In a connected development, two more bodies were discovered at a nearby residence linked to the incident, bringing the total death toll to 10.

More than 25 others were injured, including two in life-threatening condition who required airlift to advanced care. Survivors described terror unfolding in hallways and classrooms as gunfire rang out. First responders worked urgently to evacuate remaining students and staff, reuniting them with frantic families at designated safe zones.

The grief was palpable outside the school grounds. Relatives of the victims gathered in agony, some collapsing in sobs as emergency teams carefully carried covered stretchers from the building. Eyewitness accounts painted a scene of raw heartbreak: parents wailing uncontrollably upon recognizing belongings or hearing confirmations about their children. Many had waved goodbye that morning expecting a normal return home—homework, laughter, dinner—but instead faced the unbearable reality that their loved ones would never walk through the door again.

In this remote town nestled near the Rockies, where everyone knows each other like family, the loss cut deeply. Community leaders spoke of a collective trauma, with local officials describing the town as “shaken to its core.” Support services flooded in, from victim assistance teams to counseling for traumatized youth and educators.

The incident ranks among the most severe school shootings in Canadian history, surpassing many in scale and sending shockwaves nationwide. Political figures expressed profound sorrow, emphasizing solidarity with the grieving families and praising the bravery of first responders who risked everything to save lives.

As investigations continue into the circumstances, motive, and any connections between locations, the focus remains on healing. For the parents, siblings, friends, and neighbors of Tumbler Ridge, the pain is fresh and overwhelming—a stark reminder of how quickly normalcy can shatter. In the days ahead, the community will mourn together, holding onto memories while grappling with the void left by those who never made it home.