EMMETT’S FATHER’S PRIDE: 11-Year-Old Emmett Jacobs — the Half-Brother of the Suspect and the First Victim at the Tumbler Ridge Home — Is Remembered by His Father, Matt, as “His Pride, His Manly Joy.” 😭 A Sports-Loving, Cheerful Boy… Emmett’s Father’s Words About the “Irreplaceable Loss” and the Family’s Pain Will Bring You to Tears
In the remote, snow-draped town of Tumbler Ridge, British Columbia—a community of just over 2,000 nestled in the Rocky Mountains where coal mining once boomed and now tourism draws adventurers—the unthinkable unfolded on February 10, 2026. What began as a routine Tuesday morning escalated into one of Canada’s deadliest mass shootings in years, claiming nine lives, including that of the shooter. At the heart of this tragedy lies the story of 11-year-old Emmett Jacobs, the cheerful, sports-loving boy who became the first victim in his own home. Killed alongside his mother, Jennifer Jacobs (also known as Jennifer Strang), Emmett was the half-brother of the 18-year-old suspect, Jesse Van Rootselaar. His father, Matt Jacobs (also referred to as Jean-Pierre Jacobs in some reports), has shared a heartbreaking statement mourning the “irreplaceable loss” of his son, whom he called “a man’s pride and joy.” These words, raw and laden with grief, have resonated across the nation, bringing many to tears as they highlight the profound human cost of senseless violence.
Emmett Jacobs was born into a blended family, a bright-eyed boy who embodied the innocence and energy of childhood in a small town. His mother, Jennifer, 39, was a devoted parent who had navigated life’s complexities, including relationships that resulted in a family of five children. Emmett shared his home with Jennifer, Jesse (from Jennifer’s previous relationship with Justin Van Rootselaar), and his two younger brothers, Jean-Pierre Jr. and Bentley. Matt Jacobs, Emmett’s biological father and Jennifer’s estranged spouse, had been separated from the family for about eight years, a period marked by differences but not devoid of love for his sons. In his emotional statement released shortly after the shooting, Matt clarified his role amid swirling misinformation: “There is some miscommunication and false photos floating around of me and the family stating I am Jesse’s father. I am only the biological father of Emmett, Jean-Pierre, and Bentley.” This distinction underscores the tangled family dynamics that, tragically, intersected with the events of that fateful day.
According to police reports, the horror began at the family’s split-level home on a quiet street in Tumbler Ridge. Jesse Van Rootselaar, identified by RCMP as a transgender woman who used she/her pronouns publicly, allegedly used an unregistered shotgun to fatally shoot her mother, Jennifer, and half-brother Emmett before proceeding to Tumbler Ridge Secondary School. There, armed with additional firearms, she opened fire in the library, killing five Grade 7 students—Able Mwansa, Kylie Smith, Zoey Benoit, Ticaria Lampert (all 12), and 13-year-old Ezekiel Schofield—along with 39-year-old education assistant Shannda Aviugana-Durand. Another victim was found in a stairwell. The shooter then took her own life as officers arrived, bringing the total death toll to nine, with 27 others injured. The motive remains under investigation, but neighbors had expressed concerns about mental health issues and firearms in the home, with RCMP having made multiple visits prior to the incident.
Emmett, described by his father as a “beautiful boy,” was the epitome of youthful joy. He loved sports—soccer, hockey, and outdoor adventures in the rugged terrain surrounding Tumbler Ridge. Friends and family remember him as cheerful, always ready with a smile that could light up the room. In tributes shared on social media and at community vigils, Emmett is portrayed as a kind-hearted child who enjoyed school, playing with his brothers, and dreaming of the future. “He was a child who should have had many more birthdays, full of school, games, friends, and dreams,” read one heartfelt post from a Catholic tradition page, urging prayers and rosaries for his soul. His father echoed this sentiment in his statement: “The pain I have been feeling from this tragedy is unbearable. I can’t even imagine to explain how lost I feel. I lost my little boy, a man’s pride and joy. Jennifer and I had our differences but she did not deserve this, none of them did.” These words capture the “irreplaceable loss” Matt speaks of—a void that extends beyond his own grief to encompass the shattered lives of Emmett’s siblings and the broader community.
Matt’s full statement, released through media outlets like the Vancouver Sun and National Post, paints a picture of a father grappling with profound sorrow while addressing public misconceptions. “I couldn’t even begin to comprehend the news I had heard on February 10th,” he wrote. He emphasized his estrangement from Jennifer for the past eight years, noting she had kept the children from him since their split. Yet, his love for Emmett shines through: “Emmett was a beautiful boy.” The statement also extends compassion to all victims, acknowledging the collective pain: “None of them did [deserve this].” This generosity amid personal devastation has touched many, highlighting Matt’s character as a man seeking solace in truth and empathy.
The family’s pain is compounded by the public scrutiny following the shooting. Misinformation swirled online, including false photos identifying Matt as Jesse’s father. Justin Van Rootselaar, Jesse’s biological father, issued his own statement expressing shock and condolences: “Words feel far too small to express the deep sorrow I am feeling for the families and loved ones of those who were killed in this tragedy.” He noted his distant relationship with Jesse, having last seen her as a baby, but affirmed his grief for all affected, including Jennifer and Emmett. This dual paternal grief underscores the fractured family ties that preceded the violence.
Jennifer Jacobs, Emmett’s mother, is remembered by family as caring and joyful. Relatives described her as a dedicated mom who worked hard to provide for her children in the tight-knit town. “She was the first two victims along with her son Emmett,” noted one report, emphasizing her role as the family’s anchor. Emmett’s younger brothers, now orphaned of their mother and brother, are with Matt, who has vowed to support them through the unimaginable. A GoFundMe for the surviving siblings has been established, raising funds for their care amid the loss.
Tumbler Ridge, a town built on resilience, has rallied in mourning. Vigils drew hundreds, with candles flickering against the cold night as residents hugged and shared stories. Prime Minister Mark Carney attended one, reading victims’ names and offering prayers for Jennifer and Emmett. Flowers pile at memorials outside the school and home, symbols of collective heartbreak. “It’s OK to cry,” Mayor Darryl Krakowka told mourners.
The shooting has sparked national debates on gun control, mental health in rural areas, and school safety. Canada, with stricter firearm laws than the U.S., still faces such tragedies, reminiscent of the 1989 École Polytechnique massacre. Investigations continue, with crime scenes cleared and focus on the unregistered weapons used.
For Matt Jacobs, the pain is personal and eternal. His words about Emmett—”his pride, his manly joy”—evoke tears, a reminder of a boy’s stolen future. As Tumbler Ridge heals, Emmett’s cheerful spirit endures in memories, a light amid darkness. Rest in peace, Emmett Jacobs. You were loved, and your loss is irreplaceable.
