Abel Mwansa Jr. Killed in Tumbler Ridge School Shooting as Jesse Van Rootselaar Identified as Gunman

Abel Mwansa Jr., a 12-year-old student, has died after a deadly shooting at Tumbler Ridge Secondary School, an attack authorities say was carried out by 18-year-old Jesse Van Rootselaar, who also died after the incident.

According to his family, Abel left home at 8:20 a.m. that morning like any other day, telling his mother, Bwalya Chisanga, to remind his father to pick him up later. Those became the last words she heard from her son. In heartbreaking social media posts, she described her disbelief and grief, repeatedly asking if she was dreaming and calling out for him to wake up.

Authorities say Abel was among several victims killed during the shooting in British Columbia. Investigators reported that before arriving at the school, the suspect allegedly killed two family members at home, then carried out the attack on campus before taking his own life.

Friends and community members remembered Abel as energetic, determined, and full of life. His soccer coach, Tyler Curry, said Abel played with passion and heart, often encouraging teammates and stepping up as a leader despite his young age.

The tragedy has left the community devastated, mourning the loss of a child remembered not for the way he died, but for the joy and spirit he brought to everyone around him.