Bold statement up front: a community in crisis is turning to collective words and shared support to begin healing. And this is how they’re doing it—through condolence books that invite both heartfelt messages and solidarity. Here’s a clearer, more user-friendly rewrite of the original report while preserving all key facts and context.
A condolence book has been created online to honor the victims of last week’s shootings in Tumbler Ridge, British Columbia, where eight people lost their lives. The provincial government describes the online book as a place for people to share notes of condolence, support, and unity with the affected community following this devastating tragedy.
In addition to the online tribute, a physical condolence book has been placed in the Hall of Honour at the British Columbia legislature in Victoria. Both the online and the physical books will remain open for signatures through February 20. The government notes that messages submitted online will eventually be added to the physical book.
The tragedy unfolded on February 10 at Tumbler Ridge Secondary School, when 18-year-old Jesse Van Rootselaar killed her mother and her 11-year-old half-brother, then proceeded to kill five students aged 12 and 13, along with a teacher’s aide.
Beyond condolences, help is available for those affected. The Canadian Red Cross is collecting donations to support families in Tumbler Ridge and to address their immediate needs. Separately, United Way BC is gathering funds for medium- and long-term community recovery, while the Northeast BC Community Foundation is assembling funds for “community-guided support.”
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