Tumbler Ridge School Shooting Leaves 12-Year-Old Girl Fighting for Life in B.C.
A devastating mass shooting at a school in Tumbler Ridge, British Columbia, has left a 12-year-old girl with critical injuries, fighting for her life in hospital. The incident occurred on Tuesday, resulting in nine fatalities and 27 injuries, with young Maya Edmonds among the most severely wounded.
Mother's Heartbreaking Plea for Prayers
Cia Edmonds, Maya's mother, described how Tuesday "started as any other" before her world was shattered by the shooting. She now sits vigil at Vancouver Children's Hospital where her daughter is receiving intensive care for gunshot wounds to her head and neck.
"I never thought I would be asking for prayers but please, please pray for my baby," Edmonds posted on social media. "This doesn't even feel real."
Critical Condition and Uncertain Prognosis
Medical professionals have delivered grim news to the family, warning that the damage to Maya's brain might be too severe for her to survive. Edmonds shared an update on Wednesday revealing doctors had cautioned that her daughter might not make it through the night.
A photograph posted by the mother shows Maya lying in a hospital bed with her eyes closed, sporting a black eye, head bandages, a neck brace, and connected to life support equipment. Despite the dire circumstances, Edmonds expressed feeling her daughter's presence, saying "I can feel her in my heart. I can feel her saying it's going to be ok."
Community Support and Fundraising Efforts
The tragedy has left the Tumbler Ridge community "shattered," according to Edmonds, who acknowledged the overwhelming support while explaining she cannot respond to the flood of messages received.
A GoFundMe campaign organized by family member Krysta Hunt has raised more than $97,000 to support Maya's recovery and allow her mother to remain by her side without financial concerns. Hunt noted that recovery time remains unknown, but confirmed Maya survived transport from Tumbler Ridge to Vancouver Children's Hospital and remains in critical care.
Broader Impact of the Tragedy
The mass shooting represents one of British Columbia's most severe school violence incidents in recent memory, with multiple fatalities and numerous injuries affecting families across the community. Edmonds expressed her heartbreak for all those grieving, stating "Far too many are grieving already."
As the investigation continues and the community processes the horrific events, Maya's family clings to hope. "Our baby needs a miracle," Edmonds pleaded, asking for continued prayers and support during this unimaginable tragedy.
