A 12-year-old girl who was shot in the head and neck during the tragic mass shooting at a school in British Columbia is currently in critical condition and “fighting for her life,” according to her mother.
The girl, Maya, a student from Tumbler Ridge, was airlifted to Vancouver Children’s Hospital, where she remains in critical care. Her mother, Cia Edmonds, shared the heartbreaking news in a Facebook post, while a GoFundMe page set up by Edmonds’ cousin also provided updates on Maya’s condition.
Police said the suspected shooter, identified as 18-year-old Jesse van Rootselaar, was located inside the school with what appeared to be a self-inflicted injury and later died. Authorities believe she fatally shot her mother and stepbrother at a home in Tumbler Ridge before going to the school, where six additional victims were killed. Officials have not publicly disclosed a motive.
In addition to those who died, two people were airlifted to the hospital with serious or life-threatening injuries, and approximately 25 others received treatment for injuries that were not considered life-threatening.
Krysta Hunt, who identified herself as Edmonds’ cousin, created a GoFundMe campaign to help support Maya and her mother during the recovery process. She wrote that Maya successfully made it through transport to Vancouver Children’s Hospital but remains in critical care. The fundraiser aims to ease financial burdens so Edmonds can stay by her daughter’s side as long as needed.
By Wednesday afternoon, more than $51,000 had been raised toward the campaign’s $80,000 goal, with hundreds of donations contributed.
The investigation into the shooting is ongoing.
