VICTORIA – The father of 12-year-old Abel Mwansa Jr. expressed his "eternal gratitude" to the governments of Zambia and Canada, as well as local MP Bob Zimmer, for their support in repatriating his son's body after a tragic shooting incident in Tumbler Ridge, British Columbia, last month. Abel was one of eight victims of the shooting that occurred on February 10.

In a heartfelt social media post, Abel’s father, also named Abel Mwansa, shared that his son is "back home for a befitting funeral" scheduled for Monday in Kitwe, Zambia. This reflects the family's desire to honor their son and provide him with the respectful farewell he deserves.

According to a statement from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation of Zambia, the boy's body arrived in Zambia by airplane on Saturday. It was received by a prominent delegation that included Zambia’s foreign affairs minister Mulambo Haimbe and Corry Van Gaal, Canada’s chargé d'affaires. Van Gaal conveyed his deep regret regarding the tragic event and extended heartfelt condolences to the Mwansa family, wishing them strength and comfort during this difficult time.

The Mwansa family had relocated from Zambia to Tumbler Ridge in 2023 in pursuit of better career opportunities. This move was meant to open new avenues for the family, but it ended in unimaginable tragedy. In his social media message, Abel’s father expressed his grief, stating that he often feels as though his son remains at school, attending church, or participating in community activities. The deep sense of loss has left him in a state of continuous sorrow, often crying openly and "weeping uncontrollably" in dreams.

Christopher Bwalya, a close family friend, described Abel as a "respectful" and "responsible" young man, whose untimely death has brought profound sadness to the entire community. The impact of his passing is palpable, with many expressing their heartbreak over the loss of such a vibrant life.

The tragic sequence of events began on February 10, when Jesse Van Rootselaar committed a horrific act of violence, shooting and killing her mother and her 11-year-old half-brother at their residence. Following this act, she proceeded to Tumbler Ridge Secondary School, where she killed five students, an educational assistant, and ultimately took her own life. This devastating incident has left a scar on the community, highlighting the urgent need for discussions around mental health and the well-being of individuals.

The Mwansa family’s sorrow is compounded by the circumstances surrounding Abel's death. As they prepare to lay Abel to rest, their grief serves as a reminder of the impacts of violence and the profound loss experienced by families and communities. The support from both the Zambian and Canadian governments, as well as from friends and relatives, showcases the shared grief and solidarity in the wake of such a devastating tragedy.