Portable classrooms for Tumbler Ridge, B.C., as shooting victim is remembered

Christopher Bwalya, a pastor with the Burning Bush Ministries in Solwezi, Zambia, said it only took about three months for Abel Mwansa Jr. to lose his Zambian accent when he moved to Tumbler Ridge — an accomplishment that Bwalya teasingly described as a broken promise.

Abel, 12, who was among those killed last week, is remembered by close family friend Bwalya as a “sometimes mischievous” boy in kindergarten who grew into a “respectful” and “responsible” leader at the church’s Sunday school.

The Mwansa family moved from Zambia to Tumbler Ridge in 2023 for career opportunities, but before they left, the boy made a promise to Bwalya that he would never change his Zambian accent.

“Three months down the line, Abel changed his accent,” Bwalya said with a chuckle.

Bwalya and Abel’s father, Abel Mwansa Sr., were both pastors at the City of Grace Chapel in the southern African country, and Bwalya said he spoke to the family then daily.

He maintained that connection when they moved away and they often spoke over the phone.

“So, (Abel), I feel you betrayed me,” Bwalya recounted the teasing conversation with the boy.

“I told him you should maintain the Zambian accent,” he said, as his voice quavered with emotion.

He said he was devastated after receiving the call last Tuesday about the boy’s murder.

The news left “everyone in tears,” remembering the boy with his beautiful smile, kindness and love for people.

“Abel was a very respectful child, and I can attest to what the father said, Abel was a one-way instruction child, one instruction was good for Abel to get moving and getting to do the right thing,” said Bwalya. “Abel was a people person. He loved people.”

The death has left the family in “serious pain,” Bwalya said in an interview on Monday.

Among the injured was Paige Hoekstra, 19, who was shot in the chest but is now well enough to return to Tumbler Ridge, according to her family. Twelve-year-old Maya Gebala, meanwhile, remains gravely ill.

A statement on the GoFundMe page for Hoekstra said doctors had run a series of post-surgery tests and indicated they’re confident that it was safe to bring her home.

“Our family is so incredibly lucky to be able to share this little bit of good news with everyone who was worried for Paige. And we can’t begin to express how grateful we are for everyone who offered, provided support for our family in the aftermath of this devastating tragedy,” the statement said.

She was one of two victims with serious injuries who were flown out of the community for hospital care last week.

Maya remains in BC Children’s Hospital in Vancouver with significant damage to her brain. Her family said in an update posted online that she was moving more on her left side.

“Because of the damage and swelling surrounding it, it is hard to say how much response and deliberate function she will be able to regain, however, we are hopeful,” the update said.

Police in Tumbler Ridge meanwhile said they had wrapped up their forensic investigations and yellow tape has been taken down around Tumbler Ridge Secondary and the home that shooter Van Rootselaar shared with her siblings and mother, Jennifer Jacobs.

In a statement acknowledging Family Day in British Columbia on Monday, Eby said the province was marking the holiday with heavy hearts.

“We ache for the families of Tumbler Ridge. We hold them in our prayers and stand with them in their pain and grief,” he said.

“On Family Day, we spend time with the people we love and who are important to us. This day offers us a chance to reflect on the importance of family, both the ones into which we are born and those we build. Family provides an anchor in uncertain times. May we all find comfort and support from our families.”

Eby’s government said the single-wide trailers arriving this week were the first phase in the resumption of classes in a safe environment for Tumbler Ridge Secondary students.

Chad Anderson, the chair of the Peace River South School Board, said they know routine and community are important to many in the aftermath of the tragedy.

It’s expected to take several days to set up the units with heating, water and furnishings.

The government’s statement said a date for classes to resume hasn’t been confirmed.

“School officials recognize and respect the fact that some members of our school communities are looking forward to getting together again soon, while others may need more time,” the statement said.

It said more-spacious double-wide school trailers would arrive in the coming weeks to serve Tumbler Ridge Secondary until community input, expert advice and future plans can be confirmed.

B.C. Infrastructure Minister Bowinn Ma said they were working around the clock to ensure the school district has what it needs to support the students and their families.

Counsellors would support staff and students in the safe transition to these new buildings, the statement said.

Once classes resume, counsellors will be available at the new school site, while counselling and trauma supports will continue to be available at Tumbler Ridge Community Centre.

Eby had pledged to pupils last week that “not one of you will ever be forced to go back to that school.”

Bwalya, the pastor in Zambia, said his church organized a celebration of life service on Sunday to honour and remember Abel.

He said Abel’s parents plan to return to Zambia to bury their child, although the details hadn’t been confirmed yet.

Bwalya said he couldn’t imagine the pain for his parents to be far away from their hometown while losing their child, and he asked those who live close by to give the family support.

“They are looking for a shoulder to cry on,” said Bwalya. “They need somebody to continue to speak to.”

— With files from Jack Farrell in Tumbler Ridge, B.C.

This report by The Canadian Press was first published Feb. 16, 2026.

Nono Shen, The Canadian Press

by The Canadian Press

Portable classrooms for Tumbler Ridge, B.C., as shooting victim is remembered

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