Tumbler Ridge Shooting Hero: 12-Year-Old Maya Gebala Fights for Life After Protecting Classmates
Three days after a devastating mass shooting in Tumbler Ridge, British Columbia, a 12-year-old girl who displayed extraordinary bravery during the attack continues her desperate fight for survival. Maya Gebala remains in a medically induced coma at B.C. Children's Hospital in Vancouver, where she was rushed after being shot multiple times while attempting to protect her classmates from the gunman.
The Heroic Attempt to Secure the Library
According to family accounts, Maya was in the school library when chaos erupted as a shooter entered Tumbler Ridge High School armed with two firearms. "They heard the screams and chaos, and Maya and her classmates tried to close the library door and lock it," said Krysta Hunt, a cousin of Maya's mother, describing what the family has been told about the terrifying moments.
The situation turned tragic when the door lock malfunctioned, preventing proper securing of the room. "Maya's classmate ran for cover, and Maya spent an extra few seconds trying to lock the door," Hunt explained. "She was not successful."
The Devastating Injuries
As the shooter smashed through the door, Maya attempted to take shelter under a desk, but the gunman fired multiple shots. The first bullet grazed her cheek and ear, while the second and third bullets struck her in the head and neck. Despite these devastating injuries, a classmate noticed Maya's finger moving and alerted first responders to prioritize her care.
The shooting claimed eight lives total, with six victims killed at the school itself. Another student injured in the attack, Paige Hoekstra, is reportedly in stable condition at Vancouver General Hospital and may be discharged this weekend.
A Family's Agonizing Wait
Maya's mother, Cia Edmonds, had expected her daughter to visit her workplace that day to collect lunch money. When Maya didn't appear, Edmonds initially thought little of it until receiving a call about the school lockdown. Due to the severity of Maya's injuries, she was immediately airlifted to Vancouver, with her parents following on a subsequent flight.
Doctors initially warned the family that Maya might not survive the night and likely suffered permanent brain damage. However, the family continues to cling to hope as they observe small signs of progress. On Thursday, Edmonds reported detecting movement in Maya's limbs through a Facebook post, describing it as "a stimulus, a kick, a hand move, but it's something."
Critical Condition and Uncertain Future
Hunt confirmed that more involuntary movements were observed on Friday, indicating that Maya's body remains functional from the neck down. However, the seventh-grader faces significant medical challenges, including major brain swelling and an inability to breathe independently. The prognosis remains serious, with the family anticipating an extended period of critical care.
The Tumbler Ridge community continues to grapple with the aftermath of the mass shooting that has left eight dead and multiple injured. As investigations continue into the shooter's motives, the story of Maya Gebala's selfless act has emerged as a heartbreaking example of courage amid tragedy.
