‘NEEDS A MIRACLE’ 

Fears Canada school attack hero, 12, will die today after being shot trying to save pals – as killer’s gun pic emerges

THE mum of a heroic 12-year-old girl shot in the head and neck while trying to save her friend during a school massacre fears she will die today.

Maya Gebala is fighting for her life after Jesse van Rootselaar, 18, went on a rampage at Tumbler Ridge Secondary School in British Columbia, killing eight and injuring 25.

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Maya Gebala, 12, is ‘fighting for her life’ after the Canadian school shootingCredit: Go Fund me
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Maya’s aunt shared that she tried to save her friends during the massacreCredit: Go Fund me
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Shooter Jesse van Rootselaar, 18, can be seen holding a rifle in a chilling family picture
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A chilling family picture has since emerged showing the shooter grinning from ear to ear while holding up a hunting rifle.

Maya’s mum, Cia Edmonds, said he daughter “needs a miracle” in a heartbreaking Facebook post.

“We were warned that the damage to her brain was too much for her to endure, and she wouldn’t make the night,” she added.

“I can feel her in my heart. I can feel her saying it’s going to be OK … she’s here … for how long we don’t know. Our baby needs a miracle.

“My heart bleeds for everyone who is trying to process this horrific string of events. Far too many are grieving already.”

The girl’s aunt, Krysta Hunt, said that Maya made a heroic attempt to save her classmates by locking the door to the library as Rootselaar steamed towards it.

“She’s a feisty little girl who is brave and strong,” Hunt told Global News.

She also commended Maya’s pals, who rushed her out to paramedics after spotting a finger move.

“She is in extreme critical condition,” Hunt shared.

“She had surgery yesterday to try and repair the brain bleed and they’re waiting to see how she responds to that.”

Doctors feared Maya wouldn’t make it through the night, but the brave girl fortunately pushed through.

Her aunt said: “She has a bullet in her head, above her left eye and she has a bullet in her neck.

“They are not sure if the bullet in her neck went all the way through or not, or if it’s still internal, but they’re leaving it for now to focus on her head.”

The girl’s mum, Cia Edmonds, also made a heartbreaking Facebook post about her daughter.

“I’m writing this post sitting in Vancouver children’s hospital while my daughter fights for her life,” she wrote.

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Maya was rushed out to paramedics by friendsCredit: Go Fund me
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Terrified schoolchildren escaping the Tumbler Ridge Secondary School after a shooter killed eightCredit: AP
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A candlelit vigil is held for the victims in Tumbler RidgeCredit: X
“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 gun shot wound to the head. And one to the neck..”

“She was a lucky one, I suppose. Condolences to the other families during this tragedy. This doesnt even feel real.

“I never thought I would be asking for prayers.. but please please, pray for my baby.”

Hunt said that Edmonds is struggling, but a GoFundMe page has been launched to help the devastated family with medical costs.

Yesterday’s mass shooting is one of the worst in Canadian history.

In total, nine people are dead – eight plus the suspect, who was found with what police described as a self-inflicted injury.

Cops initially said 10 had died but later corrected that tragic figure.

Royal Canadian Mounted Police Deputy commissioner Dwayne McDonald named the shooter as Jesse van Rootselaar, of Tumbler Ridge, on Wednesday evening.

McDonald said cops had attended the family home multiple times over the past few years, dealing with the suspect’s mental health issues.

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Rootselaar was aged just 18 at the time of the shooting
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Jennifer’s teen was known to police and cops said they had visited the family home
He said: “I can say that Jesse was born as a biological male who approximately six years ago began to transition to a female.”

McDonald also revealed information about the victims killed – including an adult female educator, three female students and two male students between the ages of 13 and 17.

He added that the bodies of two more victims – Rootselaar’s mother and stepbrother – were discovered in a local residence.

Distraught families have now begun to name students killed in the shooting, including Abel Mwansa, 12 and Eziekiel Schofield, 13 and Kylie Smith, 12.

Kylie’s devastated dad, Lance Younge, described her as “the light of the family” while speaking to CTV.

“She was just a beautiful soul. She loves art and anime. She wanted to go to school in Toronto and we just love her so much,” he added.

“She never hurt a soul.”

Rootselaar also had a history of mental health contact with police, with a number of checks made over the past several years.

The teen reportedly set a bed on fire inside his family home while high on drugs, sources told the Globe and Mail.

McDonald revealed that the suspect was apprehended on different occasions for assessment and follow-up under the Mental Health Act.

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Kylie Smith, 12, has been named as one of the five students killed in the shootingCredit: Go Fund Me
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Her grieving dad described her as ‘the light of the family’Credit: Go Fund Me
Some of the interactions the alleged shooter had with police were also linked to weapons.

Firearms were seized from the teen’s home two years ago, the deputy commissioner added. After the lawful owner of those firearms petitioned for them to be returned, police complied.

Asked if the suspect had a gun licence, McDonald believed Rootselaar had a licence which had expired in 2024.

The attack at Rootselaar’s home happened first, with the first alert to the police made just before 2pm.

Two guns – a long gun and a modified handgun – were discovered at the scene of the attack at the school.

“We do believe the suspect acted alone… it would be too early to speculate on motive,” McDonald told the press conference.

Rootselaar was described by students as “the quiet kid in the corner” who was always alone.

A town in mourning

Hundreds of people gathered to pay tribute to the victims at a candlelit vigil in Tumbler Ridge last night.

Mourners left flowers and teddy bears; one speaker asked the group to join in prayer and others thanked first responders and teachers.

“Canada is crying with you tonight,” said Bob Zimmer, the MP for Prince George-Peace River-Northern Rockies, which includes the town.

Tumbler Ridge Mayor Darryl Krakowka tearfully added: “We’re one big family. We’re going to need your support”

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Mourners gathered to lay candles and flowers for the victimsCredit: AFP
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Tumbler Ridge secondary and elementary schools will be closed for the rest of the week due to the incident, authorities saidCredit: CBC News
Canada’s Prime Minister Mark Carney said he was “devastated” by the “horrific shootings”.

“My prayers and deepest condolences are with the families and friends who have lost loved ones to these horrific acts of violence,” Carney wrote on social media.

“I join Canadians in grieving with those whose lives have been changed irreversibly today, and in gratitude for the courage and selflessness of the first responders who risked their lives to protect their fellow citizens.

“Our ability to come together in crisis is the best of our country – our empathy, our unity, and our compassion for each other.”

Carney has reportedly suspended a planned trip to Germany for the Munich Security Conference in response to the attack.

The King has expressed his profound “shock and sadness” at the “senseless act of brutal violence”.

Charles, who is monarch of Canada, said in a message: “My wife and I were profoundly shocked and saddened to learn of the most dreadful attack at Tumbler Ridge Secondary School in British Columbia.

“We can only express our deepest possible sympathy to the families who are grieving the unimaginable loss of their loved ones and those still awaiting news from hospital.

“In such a closely connected town, every child’s name will be known and every family will be a neighbour.

“We can only begin to imagine the appalling shadow that has now descended across Tumbler Ridge and our hearts go out to all those whose lives have been so shattered by this senseless act of brutal violence.

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“I very much wish to thank the town’s police and staff at the health centre for their courage as first responders, and all those across British Columbia who have helped in every way they have.

“In sending our most heartfelt condolences, my wife and I stand in solidarity with the people of Tumbler Ridge and all Canadians as they seek understanding, healing and strength.”