Father's Heartbreaking Account of Last Moments with Daughter Killed in Tumbler Ridge Shooting
A devastating shooting in the Canadian Rockies town of Tumbler Ridge has left a community in mourning, with eight people killed, including a 12-year-old girl who was a vocal supporter of the LGBTQ community. The father of one of the victims has come forward to share his harrowing experience, detailing the last time he saw his daughter alive and the agonizing wait for news about her fate.
The Final Morning Drop-Off
In an emotional interview, the father recounted dropping off his daughter, Kylie, and her brother Ethan at school on what seemed like an ordinary morning. "I let her off. I let her go to school with her brother Ethan in the morning, and just. I had soaked in that moment watching them walk in the door together for whatever reason, and I didn't know it would be the last time they'd go to school together," he said, his voice filled with sorrow. This poignant memory now serves as a painful reminder of the sudden loss that would soon unfold.
The Terrifying Call from Hiding
The father described how he first learned of the incident through a call from his son Ethan. "Ethan had called about five after three after he had text messaged saying, I love you. And he called and said that he was in a utility room and that he was hiding and he didn't know where Kylie was," he explained. This call marked the beginning of a nightmare, as the family grappled with uncertainty and fear during the active shooter situation.
Delayed Notification and a Hero's Role
Adding to the trauma, the father revealed that he was not immediately informed by authorities about his daughter's death. Instead, it was a "hero" who had performed CPR on Kylie for 45 minutes who delivered the heartbreaking news nine hours later. "The police didn't informed me about the death of my wife, it was the 'hero' who did CPR on her for 45 minutes. He continued that the 'hero' told him nine hours later that his daughter had passed away," he stated, highlighting the emotional toll of the delayed communication.
Remembering Kylie: A Bright Light Lost
While mourning his daughter, the father painted a vivid picture of Kylie's vibrant personality and aspirations. "Beautiful soul. She's a light in our family. She loved art and anime. She wanted to go to school in Toronto, and she just loved her so much. She was thriving in high school. She never hurt her soul. She was a supporter, LGBTQ supporter," he said, emphasizing her kind nature and advocacy. He added, "She was the last person who ever deserved this. Grade seven. Grade seven? Yeah. 12 years old. She was three months away from her 13th birthday," underscoring the tragic loss of a young life full of promise.
The shooting, carried out by a transgender individual, has sparked discussions about violence and community safety in Tumbler Ridge. As investigations continue, the father's account serves as a powerful testament to the human cost of such tragedies, reminding us of the need for compassion and support in the face of unimaginable grief.
