Maya Gebala, a 12-year-old survivor of the Tumbler Ridge school shooting that occurred on February 10, 2026, has been in BC Children’s Hospital since the tragic event. Recently, her planned skull repair surgery was postponed after clinicians discovered a leaking abscess in her brain. This surgery was intended to place a prosthetic piece in the area of her skull that was struck by gunfire.
Currently, Maya remains in intensive care and has been placed in a medically induced coma. She is unable to speak and has no movement on her right side, although she retains some movement in her left hand and leg. This surgery would have marked her fourth operation to address the injuries sustained during the shooting.
The surgical postponement is both a medical pivot and a reminder of how fragile progress has been, according to Cia Edmonds, a representative for the family. The family is closely monitoring the abscess before determining when it will be safe to reschedule the surgery.
Maya’s situation is critical, as she continues to fight for her recovery amidst these complications. The discovery of the abscess has raised concerns about her health and the timing of her next surgical intervention.
As the family and medical team navigate this challenging period, they remain hopeful for Maya’s recovery and are focused on ensuring she receives the best possible care. The next steps will depend on the monitoring of the abscess and the medical team’s assessment of her condition.
The Tumbler Ridge community continues to rally around Maya and her family, offering support during this difficult time. The impact of the shooting, which resulted in the deaths of eight victims, is still felt deeply within the community.
As Maya’s family awaits further updates, they are reminded of the ongoing challenges faced by survivors of such traumatic events. The journey to recovery is often long and fraught with setbacks, but the hope for healing remains strong.
Details remain unconfirmed regarding the timeline for rescheduling Maya’s surgery, but her family is committed to staying informed and involved in her care.
