Supporting people through the Tumbler Ridge tragedy

Last updated on February 23, 2026

The government of British Columbia is working to ensure every possible support is available for the community of Tumbler Ridge, and for people around the province dealing with the impacts of this tragedy. 

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If you need help now

Helping each other

People in B.C., across Canada and around the world are uniting in support for Tumbler Ridge and offering help.

Resources are available on the ground for people directly impacted in the Tumbler Ridge community, and for the broader public who are navigating grief and pain.

If you need help, reach out. Our priority is taking care of each other.

Coping after a traumatic event

It’s normal to feel overwhelmed after a tragic event. Focus on basics like sleep, meals, and routine, limit distressing news or social media, and use the resources below if you or your child need support.

For health guidance and support resources

For children and youth

  • Foundry BC offers free, confidential mental health and wellness support (online and in person) for youth ages 12 to 24
  • Report It Tool: Students can let schools know if something is wrong
  • erase: Resources to build safe and caring school communities
  • Kids Help Phone:

Talking with your kids

In this time of profound loss, our focus is on caring for one another and keeping our communities safe. Children may react in many ways to what they see or hear, and they look to trusted adults for reassurance.

In the days and weeks ahead, families are encouraged to watch for changes in behaviour that may signal a need for extra support. Below are tips to help guide conversations with children and youth, recognizing that every child responds differently.

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Limit exposure to news stories on traditional and social media channels

  • Be mindful of how you access news, as nearby children may see or hear more than you realize. Young children can quickly become overwhelmed by information they can’t yet make sense of
  • Encourage older children to use reputable news sources and try to limit their exposure to distressing coverage
  • Model responsible media habits by avoiding the recirculation of upsetting images and talk with children about how sharing such content can further harm victims and families
 

Acknowledge feelings

  • Children and youth take cues from us when trying to understand distressing events
  • Acknowledging our own feelings gives children a model for how to express and process their strong emotions
  • It is normal to experience a range of emotions
  • The intensity of these feelings will be influenced by a family’s connections to the event, their history of loss and trauma, and the degree of media exposure
 

Listen more than you speak

  • Listen to your child’s concerns before offering any explanations. Let them share their fears and ask age-appropriate, open-ended questions
  • Ask what they've heard and what it means to them. This can uncover misconceptions and unfounded fears that need correcting
  • Their answers will help you understand if your child is coming from a place of concern or fear and what support they may need to feel safe
 

Provide facts

  • Tell the truth gently using age-appropriate language and facts that match your child’s stage of development
  • Show children that their concerns and questions matter and that they can trust their adults to be truthful with them
  • If you don’t know the answer to a question, don’t be afraid to say so
 

Keep a routine

  • Maintaining daily routines helps children and adults feel safe and secure
  • Remind children that it’s okay to still look for moments of hope and comfort in their everyday lives
 

Watch for physical signs of trauma

  • Children will often complain of headaches, stomach aches, backaches, etc.
  • Monitor for other physical systems such as loss of appetite, anxiety, sleep disturbance, and determine if medical help is required

Supporting people in Tumbler Ridge

Emergency response and support services are mobilized and helping people in Tumbler Ridge. We will continue to help students, families, and the community navigate the impacts of this tragedy.

Victim services, mental health professionals, school safety teams, and policing and investigative reinforcements are providing trauma-informed supports and other resources in the community.

See local resources in Tumbler Ridge

How you can help

Many people are looking for ways to offer direct support to the Tumbler Ridge community. People were able to share condolence messages online and in-person at the B.C. Parliament building until February 20. These messages will be compiled and shared with the Tumbler Ridge community.

Donations can be made to organizations helping people on the ground.

Donations

Donate to Canadian Red Cross

Canadian Red Cross is collecting donations to help affected families in Tumbler Ridge meet their immediate needs and address the impacts on the community.

Donate to United Way BC

United Way BC is collecting donations to support medium and long-term, community-wide recovery initiatives.

Donate to Northeast BC Community Foundation

Northeast BC Community Foundation is collecting donations to provide community-guided support into the future.

Contact information

BC Emergency Response Helpline

Call for supports from government and other organizations.

Hours:

  • Monday to Friday: 7:30 am to 5 pm (Pacific time)
Phone
1-800-387-4258