Tumbler Ridge Reporter Transforms into Voice for Grieving Community After Mass Shooting
Trent Ernst, the local reporter who was first on the scene during the Tumbler Ridge Secondary school lockdown, live-streaming events as they unfolded, now serves as a poignant voice for a community shattered by tragedy. He describes Tumbler Ridge as a place that has had "the stuffing knocked out of it" following the devastating mass shooting on February 10, 2026, which resulted in the deaths of five students, a teacher, and two family members, with additional injuries including 12-year-old Maya Gebala.
From Daily News to Emotional Outlet
Since the horrific events began to emerge, Ernst has paused his writing but continues to communicate through Facebook Live, offering raw and gritty updates that resonate deeply with residents. His feeds have become a crucial emotional outlet for the broken-hearted, capturing the community's grief in real-time as he weeps randomly and struggles to comprehend the leap from covering local hockey tournaments to reporting on such violence.
A Community Defined by Contrasts
Ernst highlights the unique character of Tumbler Ridge, recalling how in 2012, while national headlines focused on a gruesome murder case, his front page featured a mother duck and her ducklings—a symbol of the town's quieter, simpler life. Now, he grapples with covering stories of young victims like Maya, who is fighting for her life in hospital, and driving residents to medical appointments in Dawson Creek, showcasing his dual role as journalist and community supporter.
Personal Connections and Historical Context
Having moved to Tumbler Ridge in 2000, drawn by promises of a safe, wilderness-focused environment ideal for raising children, Ernst built a career in community journalism as larger city papers declined. The turning point in his connection to the area came with a visit to Kinuseo Falls, reinforcing his commitment to this tight-knit community where he knows many residents personally, making the current tragedy all the more gut-wrenching.
Through his work with Tumbler RidgeLines, Ernst typically celebrates local joys, such as youth sports events, but now faces the harsh reality of violence that has irrevocably altered the town's narrative, emphasizing the profound impact on every resident.
