The Current Trying to make sense of the tragedy in Tumbler Ridge
Feb 12, 2026
Dwayne Bowers, a trauma counsellor who supported La Loche; Julie Kaplow, clinical psychologist leading a trauma and grief centre; Robert St. Pierre, former La Loche mayor who guided recovery; Amanda Maggs, Tumbler Ridge community leader; and Brian Labby, on-the-ground reporter. They discuss community vigils, local supports and counselling, timelines and weapons found, small-town grief and visibility, and lessons for long-term recovery and protecting children.
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Shooter's Home And Prior Police Contact
- The shooter lived about two kilometres from the school and family members were also found dead at the home.
- RCMP said police had prior mental-health related calls to the home and had once apprehended the suspect under the Mental Health Act.
Small-Town Grief Is Public And Intense
- Outside the only grocery store, residents hugged, sobbed and bought flowers rather than groceries.
- Amanda Maggs said the town feels like family and those long embraces showed the community's strength.
Personal Toll From La Loche On A Former Mayor
- Robert St. Pierre described his family's rollercoaster after the La Loche shooting, with his niece declared dead then revived.
- He detailed focusing first on his injured niece's care before broader community duties.