Tumbler Ridge Shooting Survivor Shares Emotional Healing Journey

Victoria man critically injured in 2017 Las Vegas mass shooting offers advice to Tumbler Ridge community

Published on Feb. 13, 2026

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Sheldon Mack, a Victoria man who was critically injured in the 2017 Las Vegas mass shooting, shares his experience with the emotional and mental scars that take time to heal after such a traumatic event. Mack says survivors of this week's Tumbler Ridge shootings, which killed nine people, will likely be told they are 'lucky' to have survived, but that word doesn't capture the reality of their trauma. Mack offers advice to the Tumbler Ridge community on taking recovery one day at a time, feeling their emotions, seeking help, and supporting one another through the long healing process.

Why it matters

Mack's story provides valuable insight into the long-term emotional and mental impacts that mass shooting survivors face, even years after the traumatic event. His perspective can help the Tumbler Ridge community understand what the victims and witnesses may be going through and how best to support them through the difficult recovery process.

The details

Mack was celebrating his 21st birthday at the 2017 Las Vegas country music festival when a gunman opened fire from the 32nd floor of a hotel, killing 58 people and injuring 546. Mack was critically injured, with a bullet shattering a bone in his forearm, entering his abdomen, and lodging near his spine. While he has physically recovered, Mack says the emotional and mental scars take much longer to heal. He continues to have flashbacks and occasional panic in confined spaces. Mack believes the Tumbler Ridge survivors will face similar challenges as they try to return to normalcy.

  • On October 1, 2017, Mack was injured in the Las Vegas mass shooting.
  • This week, the Tumbler Ridge shootings occurred, killing 9 people.

The players

Sheldon Mack

A 29-year-old Victoria man who was critically injured in the 2017 Las Vegas mass shooting and shares his experience with the long-term emotional and mental impacts of such a traumatic event.

Jesse Van Rootselaar

The 18-year-old suspect in the Tumbler Ridge shootings, who died by suicide.

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What they’re saying

“We're not lucky to be in the scenario, but we're lucky to be the ones who made it. I'm lucky to be alive, but not lucky because I didn't want to have this happen to me. Luck is kind of a strange word in that scenario.”

— Sheldon Mack (castanet.net)

“That's going to kind of stay with [the survivors] for a long time, which is heartbreaking.”

— Sheldon Mack (castanet.net)

“After the physical is all done and dealt with, you feel the remorse of 'Why was I the one who was spared?'”

— Sheldon Mack (castanet.net)

What’s next

Mack believes it will be difficult for students to return to Tumbler Ridge Secondary School, but that over time, 'it will get better.' He advises the Tumbler Ridge community to take recovery 'one day at a time, feel your feelings, seek help ... and be there for one another.'

The takeaway

Mack's story highlights the profound and long-lasting emotional and mental impacts that mass shooting survivors face, even years after the traumatic event. His perspective can help the Tumbler Ridge community understand the challenges ahead and provide meaningful support to those affected by this week's tragedy.