Tumbler Ridge shooting survivor Maya Gebala given a 'brain holiday' by neurosurgeons, her father says
Neurosurgeons at the BC Children’s Hospital are giving Tumber Ridge shooting victim Maya Gebala a “brain holiday,” according to her father.
David Gebala reported through a GoFundMe page set up for Maya that the neurosurgical team spoke with him on Monday and said they are “very happy” with the results from a drain in Maya’s head. There has been “virtually no” cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) coming from the drain, he said. A buildup of CSF would indicate brain swelling and pressure that could result in damage to brain tissue.
“With that in mind,” he writes, “the decision was made today to remove the drain. They explained that they’re giving her what they call a ‘brain holiday,’ allowing her brain some time to rest while also reducing the risk of infection.”
He also said the neurosurgeons are planning surgery to implant a “synthetic skull prosthetic,” a potential part of rebuilding her damaged skull. Though, the surgeons may decide, he added, that based on ultrasound tests done in the OR “she may not need it at all.”
On Saturday, he wrote that Maya “finally got to enjoy the outdoors again today. We were able to bring her up to the patio for some fresh air. It was only about 20 minutes, but the sun was shining and it was such a beautiful moment seeing her out there.”
Gebala was shot twice — once in the neck and once in the head — by shooter Jesse Van Rootselaar during the 18-year-old’s murderous Feb. 10 rampage in Tumbler Ridge, B.C. She was one of two students airlifted to hospital in the wake of the incident that left nine people dead and 27 injured.
She has healed slowly from physical trauma , opening her right eye and moving her right hand and leg, according to reports from her parents Cia Edmonds and David Gebala, who share updates about her on social media, as well as the GoFundMe page organized by Cia’s cousin Krysta Hunt.
Maya’s family is “ extremely grateful for an overwhelming amount of support and love for maya, and some for us, and some for dahlia. We are so overwhelmed..,” Edmonds wrote on her Facebook on March 12. They have received more than “ 1,500 envelopes. And they seem to come in packs of 50. Daily. We aren’t able to get through it fast enough. It is literally everywhere.” Given the volume of well-wishes, she asked supporters to “please hold (their) well wishes in (their) heart.”
Canadian NHL teams have been vocal in their support for Maya’s recovery. She has been an avid hockey player, wearing number 14. On Feb. 27, Edmonton Oilers defenceman Mattias Ekholm posted a video on X (reposted by David Gebala): “Hey Maya … Just from one 14 to another, we’re thinking about you. We’re hoping you have a speedy recovery … We’re behind you.”
#prayersformaya # 14 forever @EdmontonOilers pic.twitter.com/Xix1uh2Hvy
— David Gebala (@DavidGebala) February 28, 2026
A Facebook post by Maya’s mother shows that the Oilers also gifted Maya a team jersey with her name and number 14. Meanwhile, the BC Lions football teams sent her a signed football.
Then on March 6, Vancouver Canucks right winger, Brock Boeser posted a video on x (reposted by David Gebala): “From one hockey player to another, we’re all thinking about you and rooting for you. Stay strong.”
A Canucks jersey, signed by the team, was also sent to her.
So much love from the hockey community for Maya ❣️ @Canucks @NHL pic.twitter.com/IZz3vtqKGU
— David Gebala (@DavidGebala) March 7, 2026
Then, this past weekend, the Canucks went one better. On Saturday, the team invited Maya’s parents, sister and other Tumbler Ridge families affected by the shooting tragedy to their game.
“Thank you @Canucks for inviting us to the game on Saturday!! This was Dahlia’s first NHL hockey game and she had a blast, proudly holding up a sign for her sister! … So much love and support,” David Gebala wrote on X.
Boeser went to visit with them after the game, Gebala said.
Thank you @Canucks for inviting us to the game on Saturday!! This was Dahlia's first NHL hockey game and she had a blast, proudly holding up a sign for her sister! @evanderkane for scoring that first goal like it was ment to be with her wearing your jersey proudly! @brockboeser… pic.twitter.com/ShIUOH7MDF
— David Gebala (@DavidGebala) March 16, 2026
Maya’s mother Cia also posted about the game, writing on Facebook : “Although I was hesitant to leave the hospital, The Vancouver Canucks reached out to a few families effected and offered us the experience of a life time!”
She writes that the Canucks provided a private VIP lounge and “a ton of food.” Maya’s sister Dahlia was given “a massive swag bag” including a Canucks Jersey, which Boeser signed for her.
“It was a bittersweet experience. I hadn’t recognized the value that existed within connection to another family dealing with similar tragedy. I hadn’t realized how much we had missed out on in terms of community support in Tumbler Ridge. We had been in the hospital since day one.”
Our website is the place for the latest breaking news, exclusive scoops, longreads and provocative commentary. Please bookmark nationalpost.com and sign up for our daily newsletter, Posted, here.