Jean-Pierre Jacobs, the biological father of 11-year-old Emmett Jacobs, says he is living in “unbearable” painulphful pain following the death of his son in the mass shooting that devastated Tumbler Ridge, British Columbia, on February 10, 2026.
In a written statement released days after the tragedy, Jacobs described the loss of Emmett as the loss of “a man’s pride and joy,” adding that he feels profoundly lost as he struggles to process the events that unfolded in the small northern community.
According to the Royal Canadian Mounted Police, the shooting at Tumbler Ridge Secondary School left multiple victims dead, including students Abel Mwansa, 12; Ezekiel Schofield, 13; Kylie Smith, 12; Zoey Renee Anne Benoit, 12; Ticaria Lampert, 12; and educator Shannda Aviugana-Durand, 39.
Authorities also confirmed that two individuals were found deceased at a residence connected to the suspect:
Jennifer Jacobs, 39, and her son Emmett Jacobs, 11. The suspect, identified by police as 18-year-old Jesse Van Rootselaar, died from a self-inflicted gunshot wound after carrying out the attack.
Jean-Pierre Jacobs clarified in his statement that he is not the father of Jesse Van Rootselaar, despite online speculation and circulating images suggesting otherwise.
He stated that he is the biological father of Emmett Jacobs and two other sons, Jean-Pierre and Bentley, whom he shared with Jennifer Jacobs, previously identified as Jennifer Strang.
Jacobs explained that he and Jennifer were legally married but estranged, and that he had been living in Alberta.
He said he had limited contact with his children over the past eight years, describing the separation as a source of long-standing heartbreak.
In his message, Jacobs described Emmett as a happy, intelligent and kind boy who loved fishing and spending time outdoors.
He said he wished he had been able to spend more time with his son and expressed regret over the years they spent apart.
Despite their marital differences, Jacobs said Jennifer Jacobs “did not deserve this,” extending forgiveness and offering condolences to her family as well.
Police have not publicly released a motive for the shooting. Investigators have confirmed that six people were killed inside the school and that the suspect later died of a self-inflicted wound.
The events have shaken the tight-knit community of Tumbler Ridge, a town of fewer than 3,000 residents, where many families knew the victims personally.
In the aftermath, fundraising efforts have been launched to support surviving children and affected relatives.
One campaign organized by Amy Johann of Grand Prairie, Alberta, names Adell Strang, Jennifer Jacobs’ mother, as the beneficiary, with funds intended to assist the surviving children as they face both emotional trauma and financial strain.
Jean-Pierre Jacobs concluded his statement by asking for privacy as he and his family attempt to cope with the tragedy.
He extended prayers to all families affected, acknowledging the shared grief across Tumbler Ridge and emphasizing the difficulty of comprehending the scale of loss that has touched so many households in the community.
