😢 “You want to put someone’s picture up on the news? Put my daughter’s picture up.” 😢

In the devastating aftermath of the Tumbler Ridge school tragedy, a grieving father is speaking out with raw, heartbreaking clarity. Lance Younge, dad to 12-year-old Kylie Smith—one of the bright young lives stolen far too soon—refuses to let the focus stay on the sh00ter.

“These kids were lost before they got to become teenagers,” he said through tears.

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As the small mountain community of Tumbler Ridge continues to mourn the loss of eight lives—including five young students—in Tuesday’s mass shooting at Tumbler Ridge Secondary School, one father’s impassioned plea is resonating far beyond the remote town’s borders.

Lance Younge, father of 12-year-old victim Kylie Smith, spoke emotionally to CTV News and other outlets on February 12, 2026, calling for the media and public to shift attention away from the 18-year-old suspect, Jesse Van Rootselaar, and toward the victims whose futures were cut short.

“You want to put someone’s picture up on the news? Put my daughter’s picture up,” Younge said. “These kids were lost before they got to become teenagers. Let’s put these pictures up, remember them and not this murderer.”

Younge’s words echo a growing sentiment among families of the victims: that extensive coverage of the perpetrator risks glorifying the act while overshadowing the lives and legacies of those killed. He described his daughter Kylie as a “beautiful soul” and “the light in our family,” noting her passions for art, anime, and dreams of attending art school in Toronto. “She never hurt a soul,” he added. “She was thriving in high school.”

The shooting occurred on February 10 when Van Rootselaar allegedly killed her mother, Jennifer Jacobs (also reported as Jennifer Strang), 39, and 11-year-old stepbrother Emmett Jacobs at their home before proceeding to the school. There, the suspect opened fire, killing five students—Kylie Smith, 12; Zoey Benoit, 12; Ticaria Lampert, 12; Abel Mwansa, 12; and Ezekiel Schofield, 13—and 39-year-old education assistant Shannda Aviugana-Durand. More than two dozen others were injured, some critically.

RCMP confirmed the suspect died from a self-inflicted gunshot wound after exchanging fire with officers. Authorities have noted prior mental health-related wellness checks at the suspect’s home but no criminal record preventing firearm possession under Canada’s strict gun laws. No motive has been publicly confirmed, and the investigation continues.

Younge recounted the ordinary morning routine that became his last memory of Kylie: watching her walk to school with her brother Ethan. “I soaked in that moment, watching them walk in the door together,” he told CTV, his voice breaking. He spent agonizing hours at the local recreation center searching for information, learning details piecemeal through community members and students rather than official channels. One high school student shared a story of attempting to save Kylie’s life, adding to the family’s grief.

The family has emphasized acts of heroism amid the tragedy, including students who tried to protect others. Younge urged parents everywhere: “Hold your kids tight, tell them you love them every day. You never know.”

His call to prioritize victims aligns with broader discussions in the aftermath of mass violence events, where families often express frustration over media focus on perpetrators. Experts in criminology and media ethics note that “no notoriety” approaches—limiting details about attackers—can help reduce copycat risks, though balancing public interest and transparency remains challenging.

Tumbler Ridge Secondary School, with fewer than 175 students, is a close-knit environment where families know one another personally. Younge highlighted this interconnectedness, saying the community grieves collectively for all victims. Memorials have proliferated: flowers, candles, stuffed animals, and handwritten notes line areas outside the school and in public spaces. Vigils have drawn hundreds, with signs reading “Tumbler Ridge Strong” and residents sharing stories of the children’s kindness and potential.

Other families have echoed similar sentiments. Relatives of Ticaria Lampert described her as a “blazing light in the darkness” and a “strong voice that was silenced.” Zoey Benoit was remembered as “the strongest little girl you could meet.” These tributes underscore the profound loss of young lives full of promise.

British Columbia Premier David Eby has pledged support for mental health services and reviews of gun access protocols, despite Canada’s stringent firearm regulations. Prime Minister Mark Carney expressed national mourning and commitment to aiding the community. Federal and provincial leaders plan to attend a vigil in Tumbler Ridge.

For the Younge family and others, healing will be long and painful. GoFundMe campaigns and community support efforts have raised funds to assist with expenses and allow families time to grieve. Kylie’s stepmother, Jenny Geary, joined Younge in interviews, highlighting the family’s shattered world.

As the RCMP investigation proceeds—examining timelines, evidence, and digital footprints—the emphasis from victims’ families remains clear: remember the innocent, celebrate their lives, and prevent future tragedies through compassion and vigilance.

Lance Younge’s plea—”Let’s remember them, not this murderer”—serves as a powerful reminder amid unimaginable sorrow. In a community forever changed, honoring the victims may offer one path toward healing.