A 12‑year‑old girl remains in critical condition following the deadly mass shooting at Tumbler Ridge Secondary School in British Columbia, Canada, on Tuesday, February 10.
At the time of writing, the attack — the fourth deadliest in the country’s history — has claimed nine lives, while another 27 people were injured.
Twelve‑year‑old Maya, a student at Tumbler Ridge Secondary School, was among the injured. She was airlifted to Vancouver Children’s Hospital with life‑threatening wounds, with a report from PEOPLE stating she was shot in the neck and head.
The child’s mother, Cia Edmonds, shared a Facebook post updating the public on her daughter’s condition, revealing that she remains in critical care.
“I’m writing this post sitting in Vancouver Children’s Hospital while my daughter fights for her life,” Edmonds wrote.
“Today started as any other. [Now], however, my 12‑year‑old daughter is fighting for her life while they try to repair the damage from a gunshot wound to the head. And one to the neck.” Though Maya’s condition is grave, her mother said she was “a lucky one, I suppose,” reflecting on the deadly nature of the attack.
“Condolences to the other families during this tragedy… This doesn’t even feel real… I never thought I would be asking for prayers… but please, please, pray for my baby.”
As the community remains in shock and mourning, more details are emerging about the suspected perpetrator.
According to reports, 18‑year‑old Jesse van Rootselaar has been identified as a suspect. Authorities believe the teen killed their mother and stepbrother at home before traveling to the school to carry out the rampage.
Rootselaar was found dead at the scene with what appeared to be a self‑inflicted gunshot wound.
In a statement to CityNews, Krysta Hunt, Cia Edmonds’ cousin, further described the severity of Maya’s injuries.
“She had surgery yesterday to try and repair the brain bleed, and they are waiting to see how she responds to that,” Hunt said.
“She’s fighting for her life right now.”
Hunt added that doctors were unsure whether the bullet in Maya’s neck had passed through or remained lodged inside.
“She wasn’t sure that she would make it through the night, so the fact that she has shows so much, just in that progress,” Hunt said.
A GoFundMe page has been created to support Maya’s recovery. It has already raised more than $255,000.
We’re sending prayers and thoughts to Maya and all the other victims of this senseless attack.
