🚨 HEARTBREAKING REVELATION: Friend Claims Jennifer Strang Blamed Herself – “I Should Have Stopped the Transition… It Made Jesse Go Mad” 😢

In the devastating aftermath of the Tumbler Ridge tragedy, a close friend of the late Jennifer Strang has shared a deeply personal and emotional account. According to this source, Jennifer reportedly confided that she believed allowing her child Jesse Van Rootselaar’s gender transition was a key factor in the severe mental health struggles that followed – and expressed profound regret, saying something along the lines of “I should have prevented that.”

This comes as the community continues to grapple with the loss of eight lives, including Jennifer herself, her young son, students, and a school staff member. Jennifer was remembered by many as a supportive mother who publicly defended transgender youth against online hate, describing herself as a “conservative-leaning libertarian” who wanted kindness and understanding for all kids.

The full details, including resurfaced family posts, expert perspectives on gender identity and mental health…DON’T MISS IT! 👇

A purported friend of Jennifer Strang, the 39-year-old mother killed in the February 10 mass shooting in this remote northern community, has come forward with a claim that has intensified public scrutiny of the family’s private struggles. The individual alleges Strang privately blamed her decision to support her child Jesse Van Rootselaar’s gender transition for contributing to the teen’s later mental health deterioration, reportedly stating words to the effect of “I should have stopped it” or “I should have prevented that.”

The account, shared in online discussions following the tragedy, has not been officially confirmed by authorities or independently verified. Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) have focused their statements on the sequence of events, the suspect’s documented mental health history, and the lack of an established motive, without addressing specific family dynamics related to gender identity. Jennifer Strang was among the first victims, killed alongside her 11-year-old son at the family home before the suspect proceeded to Tumbler Ridge Secondary School.

Timeline of the Tragedy

The incident began around 2:20 p.m. local time on February 10. Police responded to a domestic report at the residence on Fellers Avenue, discovering Strang and her young son deceased. A relative had alerted authorities after escaping to seek help.

The suspect, 18-year-old Jesse Van Rootselaar – identified by RCMP as having transitioned from male to female approximately six years earlier and using female pronouns publicly – then traveled to the school she had attended but left four years prior. There, five students (three 12-year-old girls, one 12-year-old boy, and one 13-year-old boy) and 39-year-old education assistant Shannda Aviugana-Durand were fatally shot. Van Rootselaar died by self-inflicted gunshot as officers arrived.

The community endured a lockdown until evening. Schools closed for the week, with counseling services deployed. Families described the young victims as joyful and caring, leaving a profound void in the tight-knit town of 2,400.

Jennifer Strang’s Public Persona and Private Concerns

Strang was known locally as a devoted mother in a hunting-oriented, rural setting. She described herself on social media as a “conservative-leaning libertarian” who valued small-town life and family. In a July 2024 Instagram post that resurfaced after the shooting, she defended transgender youth against online harassment, urging people to stop spreading negativity and to “do better” toward vulnerable children.

That public stance contrasted with the friend’s alleged private revelation. No direct evidence from Strang’s accounts shows explicit regret over the transition; instead, her posts emphasized support and protection for trans kids. However, earlier family posts – including a 2015 Facebook message in a parenting group – detailed concerns about her child’s behavior as a young boy, describing episodes of aggression toward siblings accompanied by a “devious grin,” attachment issues, and developmental delays. Strang appeared to seek advice and even expressed self-blame for some challenges.

RCMP confirmed multiple police visits to the home over the years, mostly for mental health crises involving Van Rootselaar, including at least one apprehension under the Mental Health Act. Firearms were seized previously but returned to a lawful owner. The suspect held an expired minor’s firearms license, and weapons used were not registered to her.

Gender Transition in Context of Broader Struggles

Van Rootselaar began identifying as female around age 12 and transitioned socially and publicly, according to Deputy Commissioner Dwayne McDonald. Online content linked to her showed engagement with transgender communities, alongside posts about personal identity challenges, substance use, dissociation, and fascination with firearms and violent themes.

The friend’s claim introduces speculation about family conflict over the transition. Some online commentators have suggested it may have exacerbated underlying issues, while others caution against linking gender identity directly to violence without evidence. Advocacy groups have expressed concern that focusing on the suspect’s transgender status could fuel anti-trans sentiment, especially given Strang’s own history of speaking against hate directed at trans youth.

Mental health experts note that transitions, when supported, often improve well-being for many, but co-occurring conditions like ADHD, OCD, or trauma require comprehensive care. Rural areas like Tumbler Ridge face barriers to specialized services, potentially complicating early intervention.

Investigation and Community Impact

RCMP describe Van Rootselaar as acting alone, with no manifesto or clear motive identified. Digital forensics continue, examining social media, gaming activity (including a removed Roblox simulation), and other online traces. No bullying at school was cited as a factor.

The estranged biological father, Justin Van Rootselaar, issued a statement expressing sorrow and noting limited involvement in his child’s life due to custody arrangements. He referred to the suspect using male pronouns and the surname Strang.

As funerals proceed and healing efforts intensify, the alleged friend’s disclosure highlights the complexity of family decisions around identity, mental health, and support. Whether it reflects genuine regret or hindsight amid grief remains unclear. For Tumbler Ridge, the focus stays on honoring the victims and addressing gaps that allow troubled individuals to reach crisis points.