How are the people of Tumbler Ridge coping? An update from the mayor

Some families in Tumbler Ridge have begun the painful process of saying goodbye, but there is positive news about one of the survivors.

In a community devastated by a mass killing, there are signs of hope.

The mayor of Tumbler Ridge said that while people are grieving at their own pace, he’s seen the beginnings of healing.

“We had some of the youth and children on the ice, they were laughing, they were joking. I think that’s so, so important—to get them back together so they can at least talk to each other,” said Mayor Darryl Krakowka.

He also shared a positive update about one of the survivors, 19-year-old Paige Hoekstra.

She suffered serious injuries in the shooting at Tumbler Ridge Secondary that killed five students and an education assistant.

Krakowka said Hoekstra is now back in her community.

“Hearing yesterday that Paige was released from hospital the day before, and came back to the community yesterday…that’s amazing,” he said, adding he has been appreciative of everyone sending prayers.

“Now we’re waiting for Maya,” he said.

Maya Gebala, 12, was also shot and is being treated at B.C. Children’s Hospital.

An update on a fundraising page said she is moving more and more each day, whereas initially she was not moving at all.

“Now, the nurses have adjusted your ventilator to pressure support because you’re taking your own breaths. What an amazing milestone,” the update reads.

But other families continue to grieve the loss of loved ones.

A post from a funeral home states that a celebration of life is planned this weekend for Kylie Smith who was just 12 years old.

“People are grieving… at their own speed. And what you’re seeing in the community is people getting together and hugging and talking,” said the mayor, describing how his community is coping.

Krakowka, who has praised the efforts of first responders, believes the province will continue to provide the long-term counselling and support the community needs.

“My thoughts are, I want six months with boots on the ground. Then, let’s re-look at it and see if we need to extend it for the year,” he said.

Meanwhile, as efforts are made to return children to school, with portables being set up, the mayor said any long-term decisions about the high school where the shooting took place will need to involve the whole community.

He said what the community needs now is time.

Police have said Jesse Van Rootselaar killed her mom and half-brother in the family home, and then headed to the high school where the killings continued. She later turned the gun on herself.

Many questions remain about the horrors that unfolded that day, including where the guns used in the shootings came from.

RCMP have not provided any updates on their investigation this week.