The grief surrounding the Tumbler Ridge Secondary School tragedy continues to deepen as families of the victims share personal tributes to the children they have lost.
Among them is Peter Scoffield, who publicly mourned the death of his 13-year-old grandson, Eziekiel Schofield, in an emotional Facebook message that has resonated across British Columbia and beyond.
Eziekiel Schofield was among the young lives lost in the February 10 shooting at Tumbler Ridge Secondary School in Tumbler Ridge, British Columbia.
Authorities have confirmed multiple fatalities connected to the incident, which also extended to a private residence in the community.
The alleged gunman, identified by the Royal Canadian Mounted Police as 18-year-old Jesse Van Rootselaar, was found deceased at the school with what investigators described as a self-inflicted injury. Police have stated that the motive remains under investigation.
In his message, Peter Scoffield described the unimaginable pain of losing a grandson he had watched grow from infancy into early adolescence.
He shared that he and Melody Scoffield are struggling to comprehend the reality of Eziekiel’s absence.
According to Peter, the family has been surrounded by an outpouring of sympathy, prayers, and support from friends, neighbors, and even strangers moved by the tragedy.
He noted that while nothing can replace Eziekiel, the kindness shown by others has provided small moments of comfort during overwhelming grief.
Peter Scoffield also wrote that he and Melody were traveling to Tumbler Ridge to stand alongside their family members as they navigate the days ahead.
He described the experience as surreal, explaining that time feels distorted in the face of sudden loss.
He spoke openly about tears that come without warning and the heavy silence that follows such heartbreak.
The Tumbler Ridge tragedy has shaken the entire community, a town of roughly 2,400 residents where schools, families, and neighbors are tightly connected.
Royal Canadian Mounted Police Deputy Commissioner Dwayne McDonald previously confirmed that several students and a teacher were among those killed inside the school.
Authorities also confirmed that two additional victims — identified as the suspect’s mother and 11-year-old stepbrother — were found deceased at a residence linked to the case.
Peter Scoffield emphasized that his family’s grief is shared by many others in Tumbler Ridge.
He reflected on how such violence affects not only immediate relatives but also classmates, educators, and every household in a small town where children’s laughter once filled classrooms and streets.
His words called for unity, compassion, and continued support for all families impacted.
As the investigation continues, community members have organized vigils and support initiatives to help families cope with the profound loss.
Counseling services have been made available to students, teachers, and residents in the aftermath of the shooting.
Eziekiel Schofield is being remembered by his grandfather Peter Scoffield and grandmother Melody Scoffield as a cherished grandson whose life ended far too soon.
Their message serves as both a tribute and a reminder of the fragility of life — urging families everywhere to hold their loved ones close and never take a moment together for granted.
