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World2 min(s) read
On February 11, 2026, a devastating school shooting at Tumbler Ridge Secondary School in British Columbia left nine people dead, including the shooter. Among the victims was 12-year-old Kylie Smith, described by her grieving father, Lance Younge, as "the light of her family."
Kylie, who loved art and anime, had dreams of moving to Toronto to continue her education. Her father spoke with CTV News, emphasizing how her family and the tight-knit community are struggling to cope with the unimaginable loss.
Her father shared how he last saw Kylie that morning as she walked into the school with her older brother, Ethan. "I soaked in that moment watching them walk in the door together, for whatever reason. I didn’t know it would be the last time," Younge said.
The family is devastated by the tragedy, and Lance Younge is calling for the focus to shift from the shooter to the victims. He does not want attention on the individual who caused the violence, but instead hopes people will remember the young lives lost that day.
Tumbler Ridge, a small community with a population under 175 students at the local high school, has been left reeling from the incident.
"They’re amazing kids. All these families know each other, they grew up together," Younge said, reflecting on the closeness of the families impacted. The tragedy has shaken the entire town, with many feeling the weight of the loss as though it is personal.
The emotional toll on the families is compounded by the ongoing speculation online about the shooter’s identity and motives.
Younge urged people to stop focusing on the perpetrator. "Let’s stop giving this psychopath the recognition, because these kids were lost before they got to become teenagers," he said.
His plea is for the community and the public to remember the victims instead of perpetuating media coverage that focuses on the shooter.
As the community comes to terms with the tragedy, Younge also offered a powerful message to others: "Hold your kids tight, tell them you love them every day. You never know, you never know."
In the aftermath of this tragic event, the Younge family is focused on honoring the memories of those lost, hoping their voices will be heard in the midst of the pain.
