A Zambian pastor living in Canada is grieving the death of his 12-year-old son, who was among the victims of a mass school shooting in British Columbia.
International media reports indicate that the shooting occurred on Tuesday in the remote community of Tumbler Ridge, leaving eight people dead, including the suspected gunman. Authorities have described the incident as one of the deadliest attacks in Canada’s history and the worst school shooting in decades.
Pastor Abel Mwansa, who moved to Canada with his family two years ago, confirmed through social media that his son, Abel J, was among those killed.
“Our son went to school this morning and someone came to school with a gun, went to my kid’s classroom, shot some kids, and my son was killed too, just like that,” Pastor Mwansa wrote on Facebook.
In a tribute, he described his son as respectful, hardworking and committed to his faith. He recalled taking him out for dinner weeks earlier and spoke about his dedication to school and positive character.
The pastor shared that his son had recently expressed how much he loved attending school. He also recounted their final interaction before the child left for school on February 10, 2026, mentioning plans for a church youth meeting later that day.
Pastor Mwansa said he later received a call while at work reminding him to pick up his son from church, only to learn afterward that he had been shot.
In his message, he expressed gratitude for the 12 years and 11 months they spent together and reflected on the deep loss felt by the family following the tragedy.
Condolences to the family
That country is very cold. So cold some people lose their mind and have mental stress from coldness and end up killing others. Rip
Condolences to the family. May his soul rest in eternal peace.
@KZ, what dumb logic! A family has lost a child. At least respect that.
It was another transsexual shooter.
My condolences to the family. May his souls rest in peace.