BREAKING: THE AGONIZING WAIT OUTSIDE THE SCHOOL GATES… 😢🚨 The family of 12-year-old Maya Gebala stood frozen at the barriers, hearts in their throats, as officials conducted DNA testing to confirm identities amid the chaos of the Tumbler Ridge tragedy.

Hours felt like eternity—praying, hoping, dreading the news. Then came the moment they feared most… but something didn’t add up. Maya’s loved ones now openly say they suspect “something fishy and strange” happened that day—details that just don’t sit right with what they’ve been told.

This brave girl fought to protect her classmates, now clings to life in hospital with tiny signs of hope emerging… yet her family’s questions linger, unspoken doubts swirling in the grief.

What really unfolded behind those school doors? Read more here:

In the hours following the February 10, 2026, mass shooting at Tumbler Ridge Secondary School, the family of critically injured 12-year-old Maya Gebala endured one of the most excruciating waits imaginable: standing outside the school gates, hoping against hope for word that their daughter was safe, only to face the grim reality of DNA testing to help identify victims amid the chaos.

Maya, a Grade 7 student described by relatives as energetic, charismatic, and full of life, remains in intensive care at BC Children’s Hospital in Vancouver after suffering severe gunshot wounds to the head and neck. She was airlifted from the remote northern B.C. community following the attack that claimed eight lives—including five children, one teacher, and two family members of the suspect—before the 18-year-old suspect, Jesse Van Rootselaar, died by suicide.

Maya’s parents, Cia Edmonds and David Gebala, along with extended family, have shared emotional accounts of that afternoon in interviews with CBC News and other outlets. They recounted rushing to the school upon hearing reports of an active shooter, only to be held back by police cordons as emergency responders worked the scene. The uncertainty was overwhelming: no immediate word on individual students, no clear list of the injured or deceased. In such situations, authorities often rely on DNA samples from family members to match against remains or confirm identities when visual identification is impossible or traumatic.

For the Gebala family, the wait outside the gates became a blur of fear, prayers, and mounting dread. They stood among other parents, some receiving devastating news, others clinging to slim hopes. When officials eventually approached for DNA swabs—standard procedure in mass casualty events to expedite identifications—the moment hit like a wave. “We were just standing there, waiting for any sign,” relatives have implied in broader family statements, though specific quotes on the DNA process remain limited in public reports.

Maya’s condition was later confirmed as extreme critical after emergency surgery to address brain bleeding and other complications. Initial medical assessments prepared the family for the possibility of the worst, with discussions reportedly touching on end-of-life options. Yet, in recent days, small improvements have emerged: subtle movements like hand twitches, leg responses, independent breathing attempts, eye flickers, and reduced swelling. Her mother has posted updates expressing gratitude for these signs, calling her “my Maya moon” and emphasizing ongoing faith in her recovery.

Amid this fragile hope, however, the family has voiced private suspicions that “something fishy and strange” occurred during the events of that day. These claims, shared in limited family circles and echoed in some online discussions, suggest inconsistencies or unanswered questions about the sequence of events, scene management, or details released by authorities. No official reports or investigations have corroborated any irregularities, and RCMP have maintained that the suspect acted alone, with no evidence of additional involvement or cover-ups. The family has not elaborated publicly on specifics, focusing instead on Maya’s fight and pleas for prayers rather than speculation.

Such sentiments are not uncommon in the aftermath of high-profile tragedies, where grief, shock, and the fog of incomplete information can breed doubt. Experts on trauma and misinformation note that families often grapple with “why” questions long after facts emerge, especially in isolated communities like Tumbler Ridge, where trust in distant institutions can feel strained. The Gebala family’s primary message remains one of compassion and healing: Edmonds has expressed sympathy even for the shooter’s mother, Jennifer Strang (also killed), whom she knew personally, while urging against politicizing the event around guns, gender identity, or other issues.

Maya’s story of bravery adds emotional weight. According to her aunt Krysta Hunt, the girl instinctively tried to lock the library door to shield classmates before hiding under a table—actions that reportedly led to her being shot. “She tried to lock the door… to save the other kids,” Hunt told Global News. This detail has painted Maya as a young hero whose selflessness may have protected others, even as she paid a heavy price.

The broader community continues to mourn. Vigils, memorials, and fundraisers—including a GoFundMe for Maya’s family to cover travel and lodging so her mother can stay bedside—reflect a town united in sorrow. The incident has drawn national attention, with RCMP detailing the suspect’s history of mental health concerns and multiple police contacts prior to the attack. Four firearms were recovered, some modified, raising questions about access in rural areas, though authorities stress no targeted victims and ongoing efforts to understand motives.

For the Gebala family, the road forward is long and uncertain. Medical recovery from such injuries involves unpredictable timelines, potential rehabilitation challenges, and emotional support. Maya, an avid hockey player for the local Raptors under-13 team, was known for her vivacious spirit—teaching herself stilt-walking, bringing joy to friends. Photos shared by loved ones show a smiling girl in sports gear, a stark reminder of life before the tragedy.

As of mid-February 2026, updates indicate incremental progress for Maya, though she remains critically ill and dependent on medical support. Her parents draw strength from global well-wishes while navigating the dual burdens of hope and grief. Their mention of lingering suspicions—however vaguely expressed—highlights the human toll: when answers feel incomplete, doubt can linger even as healing begins.

The Tumbler Ridge shooting has left scars on an entire community, but stories like Maya’s underscore resilience amid heartbreak. Her family’s wait outside those gates, the DNA moment, and their quiet questions serve as poignant reminders of how tragedy ripples outward, leaving families to piece together meaning in the aftermath. Prayers continue nationwide for Maya’s full recovery, for answers where needed, and for peace in a town forever changed.