BREAKING TWIST: The mother of the Tumbler Ridge teen at the center of this heartbreaking story had a powerful message online… and now it’s resurfacing in the most unexpected way. 
Jennifer Strang — the woman who raised her child through every challenge — posted passionately in July 2024, defending trans youth and pleading with people to stop the online hate. She urged other parents to “get their s*** together” so kids wouldn’t have to grow up “in a world full of hate.” She wanted kindness, understanding, and a safer space for her family.
As a self-described “conservative-leaning libertarian” living in a small northern town, she spoke from the heart about protecting marginalized kids… including her own.
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As the investigation into last week’s devastating events in this remote northern community continues, newly resurfaced social media posts from Jennifer Strang — the 39-year-old mother killed in the incident — have drawn attention for their passionate defense of transgender youth and calls for reduced online hostility.
Strang, identified in police statements and court documents under both her maiden name and variations including Jennifer Jacobs, was the primary caregiver for her 18-year-old child, Jesse Van Rootselaar, who authorities say was responsible for the deaths of eight people, including Strang and an 11-year-old half-sibling, before dying by suicide. The Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) have not released a motive, describing the school portion of the incident as random rather than targeted.
A July 2024 Instagram post from Strang, which has circulated widely since the February 10 events, shows her addressing what she perceived as harmful online rhetoric toward transgender individuals. In the video, Strang — who described herself as a “conservative-leaning libertarian” living in a small northern town — expressed frustration with critics, urging them to “do better and educate yourself before spewing bull—t online.”
She emphasized the impact of such comments, stating they contributed to a world where children face unnecessary hatred. “I really hope the hate I see online is just bored old people and not true hatred,” she said, adding a plea for parents and others to “get your s*** together” so families wouldn’t have to raise kids “in a world full of hatred.” Strang framed her message as protective, noting she couldn’t shield her children from everything but believed society had a responsibility to foster empathy.
The post aligned with other elements of Strang’s online presence, where she occasionally shared support for fairness toward marginalized groups, including trans youth. In earlier content, she posted images overlaid with transgender flag colors or messages promoting kindness over harassment. Friends and community members who commented on archived posts remembered her as someone who valued small-town life while advocating for understanding in difficult conversations.
Strang’s support came amid her child’s documented transition, which police confirmed began approximately six years earlier. Van Rootselaar, assigned male at birth, identified publicly as female and used corresponding pronouns in social media and interactions. Police Deputy Commissioner Dwayne McDonald reiterated this during a February 11 press briefing, stating the identification followed how the individual presented in public and online.
The family’s background adds layers to the discussion. A 2015 British Columbia Supreme Court family law decision described the children’s early years as “almost nomadic,” with multiple relocations between Newfoundland and Labrador, Alberta, and British Columbia locations such as Grand Cache and Powell River. The ruling criticized Strang for unilateral moves that limited the biological father’s involvement, though Justin Van Rootselaar later stated he had been estranged and excluded from raising the child from the beginning.
In a public statement after the tragedy, Justin Van Rootselaar expressed deep sorrow while noting the complete lack of contact in recent years. “I was not part of his life,” he wrote, emphasizing his absence from parenting decisions.
Strang managed single parenthood in challenging circumstances, including reported workplace injuries and the demands of remote living. Social media from 2021 showed her promoting her child’s now-deleted YouTube channel, highlighting interests in hunting, self-reliance, and outdoor activities common in rural Canada. A 2024 Facebook photo depicted firearms in a cabinet with a caption about target practice, reflecting the household’s connection to hunting culture.
Mental health concerns surfaced repeatedly in police interactions with the family. Records indicate multiple welfare checks and apprehensions under the Mental Health Act, including one in spring 2025. Van Rootselaar’s online archives, now widely scrutinized, referenced struggles with depression, ADHD, autism spectrum traits, substance use, and an intense engagement with certain content described as “addictive.” Transition-related posts discussed waiting lists for hormone therapy and personal frustrations over physical expectations.
No public evidence suggests direct conflict between Strang’s advocacy and her child’s experiences, but the resurfaced posts have prompted online commentary about the complexities of parenting a transgender teen amid broader societal debates. Some observers note the irony of a supportive mother whose child faced documented challenges, while others caution against speculation given the absence of a stated motive.
RCMP investigators continue examining digital evidence, witness accounts, and forensic details. No manifesto or explanatory note has been disclosed, and authorities have urged restraint in drawing conclusions.
In Tumbler Ridge, a town of roughly 2,400 where many residents know one another, the loss has prompted vigils, support funds, and visits from federal officials. Prime Minister Mark Carney has committed to meeting grieving families, with renewed calls for mental health resources and community safety measures.
Strang’s words from 2024 — a mother’s plea for a less hateful world — now resonate differently in the aftermath. They highlight her efforts to protect and affirm her child, even as questions linger about what unseen pressures may have contributed to the family’s final chapter.
For those left behind, the tragedy remains a profound wound. Whether the online hate Strang decried played any role, or if deeper personal dynamics were at work, may never be fully resolved. What is clear is a life dedicated to family and fairness, cut short in circumstances that continue to defy easy explanation.
