People across N.L. with ties to Tumbler Ridge, B.C., express grief in aftermath of mass shooting

Since the tragedy in Tumbler Ridge, B.C. on Tuesday, grief has also rippled through towns in Newfoundland and Labrador — many of which have connections to the small mining community.

On Tuesday, nine people died in a mass shooting, including five students and a teacher at Tumbler Ridge Secondary School.

The RCMP identified 18-year-old Jesse Van Rootselaar as the shooter who killed eight people — including her mother and stepbrother — before turning a gun on herself.

Her mother, 39-year-old Jennifer Strang, was originally from Lawn, N.L.

The town council of Lawn posted on the community's Facebook page that their thoughts were with the victims.

“Although miles may separate us, our communities share a special bond,” reads the post. “We want to acknowledge and offer our support to the family here in our own community who are grieving this profound loss.” 

Others across the province also expressed grief on social media. 

Baie Verte Mayor Jamie Seymour said many people from that community have moved to Tumbler Ridge. 

“Many have built lives, raised families, and formed lasting friendships in that community,” wrote Seymour on Facebook. “Because of those strong ties, the sorrow being felt in Tumbler Ridge is also being felt here at home.”

In St. Lawrence, flags were lowered to half-mast.

The town council said in a social media post that many people in Tumbler Ridge have roots in Newfoundland and Labrador.

Labrador West resident Shazia Razi previously lived in Tumbler Ridge for three years. She said it's a resilient community.

“It has seen ups and downs … just like any other mining town,” Razi said. “I know they will be strong and they'll get through this.”

Remembering the community she left behind, Razi said the tragedy hit her hard.