B.C.'s Coroners Service will fully investigate the circumstances which led to a mass shooting in Tumbler Ridge in early February. (Image Credit: THE CANADIAN PRESS/Christinne Muschi)

By NanaimoNewsNOW Staff

school shooting

Coroners Inquest to investigate Tumbler Ridge mass shooting

Mar 3, 2026 | 12:18 PM

VICTORIA — B.C.’s chief coroner has ordered a full inquest into one of the deadliest school shootings in Canadian history.

Nine people, including the shooter, were killed on Feb. 10 in Tumbler Ridge, prompting widespread calls for an investigation into how the incident unfolded and the contributing factors which led to it.

Dr. Jatinder Baidwan said during an announcement on Tuesday, March 3, his office will leave no stone unturned as it undertakes its “unique role” in investigating the deaths.

“An inquest will provide an open, independent forum to examine the circumstances surrounding these nine deaths, identify any systemic or procedural issues and make evidence-based recommendations aimed at preventing similar loss of life in the future.”

The 18-year-old offender shot her mother and 11-year-old half-brother dead at their home before killing five students, a teacher’s aide and then herself at Tumbler Ridge Secondary School.

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The Coroners Service will work in partnership with several other agencies, including RCMP.

Baidwan said the inquest will examine law enforcement and medical response to the scene, communications between the School District and those affected, as well as the weapons used by the shooter and how they were obtained.

Access to supports and services for those in mental health crisis will also be examined.

“A key area of examination will be how individuals in crisis are identified and supported, including access to mental health supports and services in rural and remote and small communities across British Columbia, such as crisis intervention and wraparound supports. This will include consideration of how mental health services and public safety systems work together to support people experiencing complex mental health crises.”

A date and location for the inquest have not been determined.

Baidwan said he’s had conversations with both Premier David Eby and Tumbler Ridge Mayor Darryl Krakowka regarding the timing and location.

It’s unlikely any formal action will be taken by the Coroners Service until the RCMP investigation concludes.

“We will explore each one of these deaths, and that’s the only thing that confines us. If anything is pertinent to the circumstances of death, it doesn’t matter what the temporal association was; it could be from years before, we can explore it, and we will.”

B.C. Conservatives have called for a public inquest into the shooting, which would have to be called by Eby and the provincial government, and would be separate in scope from the Coroner’s investigation.

Classes resumed for students in Tumbler Ridge resumed on Thursday, Feb. 26.

A message to parents posted on the Peace River South school district website said elementary students were returning to classes with shortened days Thursday and Friday, with regular schedules set to resume Monday.

— with files from The Canadian Press

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