😢 What many don’t know about sweet 12-year-old Ticaria “Tiki” Lampert from Tumbler Ridge: She was the heart of a big family — one of eight siblings raised by her devoted single mom, Sarah Lampert. Tiki was the “glue” holding them together, bridging age gaps with ease. She could be mature with her older sisters or turn into a playful “Tarzan” with the little ones — always exactly what someone needed.

Read more:

In the aftermath of one of Canada’s deadliest school shootings, the small mountain town of Tumbler Ridge continues to grieve eight lives lost on February 10, 2026. Among them was 12-year-old Ticaria Lampert, known to everyone as Tiki—a vibrant girl whose role in her large family and joyful spirit have emerged as poignant details through her mother’s heartfelt public statements.

Ticaria was one of eight siblings raised by her single mother, Sarah Lampert, in the remote community of about 2,400 residents. Sarah described her daughter as the “family hero” and the “glue” that bridged wide age gaps among the children. “She could mature to roll with her older sisters or she could come down to be a Tarzan with her wild little siblings,” Sarah told reporters in an emotional press conference on February 12, 2026. “She was whoever and whatever someone needed.”

The nickname “Tiki torch”—a play on her name—captured Tiki’s essence perfectly, according to her mother. “She’s always been a blazing light in the darkness,” Sarah said through tears, holding up photos of her daughter with friends. “If you didn’t manage to see her, you would definitely hear her.” Tiki was “loud and proud” on her own timeline, never rushed or pushed, but when she chose to shine, “she was a storm.” Sarah added that her daughter was powered by “love and happiness,” rarely knowing fear, and equipped with what she called a “Santa’s sack of every bad dad joke you could ever think of.”

Tiki’s energy was boundless—an “Energizer Bunny of talk,” as Sarah put it. She brought sunshine to everyone and everything she touched, creating peace and harmony wherever she went. The family dynamic painted by Sarah reveals a household deeply interconnected, where Tiki’s presence filled gaps and fostered unity. As the youngest or middle child in such a large group (exact birth order details remain private), she navigated roles fluidly, from mature confidante to playful companion.

Tiki’s life was cut short at Tumbler Ridge Secondary School, where she was among five students killed in the attack carried out by 18-year-old former student Jesse Van Rootselaar. The suspect first took the lives of her mother, Jennifer Jacobs (also known as Jennifer Strang), 39, and 11-year-old half-brother Emmett Jacobs at their home before proceeding to the school. There, victims included Tiki, her close friend Kylie Smith (also 12), Zoey Benoit (12), Abel Mwansa Jr. (12), Ezekiel Schofield (13), and educator Shannda Aviugana-Durand (39). Twenty-seven others were injured, some critically.

Tiki and Kylie were inseparable best friends who shared classes, sleepovers, secrets, and their final day together. A photo released by family friend Kenesha Mercredi shows the girls laughing and jumping on each other’s backs at school—just one day before the tragedy. Their bond has become a symbol of lost innocence in the community.

Sarah Lampert spoke publicly for the first time days after the shooting, describing the profound void left behind. “We now have to figure out how to live life without her, and there’s nothing and no one that can fill that gap,” she said. “Our family is shattered, and it is going to take immense amounts of time to get through this.” She emphasized Tiki as “my forever baby,” a child who grew on her own terms and whose absence has left the household navigating grief amid the needs of seven surviving siblings.

A GoFundMe campaign organized by Tumbler Ridge resident Kenesha Mercredi has helped support funeral costs and family needs. The page describes Tiki as “such a loving, courageous, humorous, one-of-a-kind kiddo” whose life was tragically shortened. Neighbors and friends have stepped in to assist with childcare and daily support, underscoring the tight-knit nature of the town.

The broader tragedy has prompted national mourning, with vigils, tributes, and visits from officials including Prime Minister Mark Carney and Premier David Eby. RCMP investigations continue, focusing on the suspect’s history of mental health interactions and prior police contacts. Authorities have described the school attack as random, with the shooter “hunting” victims rather than targeting specific individuals.

In interviews and social media tributes, those who knew Tiki highlight her charitable spirit and fearlessness. She was “a gift from the very start,” Sarah said, “an actual rose grown from the ashes.” The mother’s words paint a picture of resilience and light in a family that has faced challenges, with Tiki emerging as a source of joy and strength.

For Tumbler Ridge, where everyone knows everyone, the loss feels personal. Mayor Darryl Krakowka noted the interconnected lives disrupted. Community members have rallied with memorials, flowers, and messages of solidarity. As funerals proceed and counseling services expand, Tiki’s memory endures through stories of her laughter, jokes, and unwavering love for family and friends.

Her mother’s tributes serve as a reminder of the individual stories behind the headlines—a 12-year-old who bridged generations in her home, brightened days with humor, and left an indelible mark on those who loved her. In a town forever changed, Tiki’s “blazing light” continues to inspire calls for healing, support, and remembrance.

The RCMP encourages tips related to the investigation, while support funds and vigils remain active. For Sarah Lampert and her remaining children, the road ahead is long, but the outpouring of compassion offers a measure of comfort amid unimaginable sorrow.