Deadly Shooting Shakes U.S. Coal Company's Canadian Town

Conuma Resources temporarily halted operations after many victims had ties to the mining firm.

Published on Feb. 17, 2026

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A mass shooting at a school in the small Canadian town of Tumbler Ridge, British Columbia has left the community reeling, with many of the victims having connections to the local Conuma Resources coal mining operation. The company's CEO, Brian Sullivan, was in the U.S. when the attack occurred, but the incident has deeply impacted Conuma's workforce and operations in the town.

Why it matters

The tragic shooting in Tumbler Ridge has highlighted the tight-knit nature of the community and the ways in which violence can ripple through a small town, especially one centered around a major employer like Conuma Resources. The incident raises questions about workplace safety, community resilience, and the impact of gun violence in remote areas.

The details

According to reports, a shooter opened fire on the campus of Tumbler Ridge Secondary School, killing several people. Many of the victims were found to have direct ties to Conuma Resources, the coal mining company that is a major employer in the town. In response, Conuma temporarily halted operations at its nearby mining facilities as the community grappled with the tragedy.

  • The shooting occurred on Tuesday afternoon.
  • Conuma Resources CEO Brian Sullivan was in a video meeting in the U.S. when he was informed of the active shooter situation.
  • Conuma Resources temporarily stopped mining operations in the wake of the shooting.

The players

Brian Sullivan

The CEO of Conuma Resources, a U.S.-backed coal mining company that operates in the Canadian town of Tumbler Ridge.

Conuma Resources

A coal mining company that is a major employer in the town of Tumbler Ridge, British Columbia.

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What they’re saying

“We are devastated by this tragedy and are doing everything we can to support our employees and the Tumbler Ridge community during this difficult time.”

— Brian Sullivan, CEO, Conuma Resources

What’s next

Conuma Resources has pledged to work closely with local authorities as the investigation into the shooting continues. The company says it will provide counseling and other resources to support its employees and the wider community.

The takeaway

This tragic shooting has shaken the tight-knit town of Tumbler Ridge, where the coal mining company Conuma Resources is a major employer. The incident highlights the vulnerability of small communities and the ripple effects that violence can have, especially on workplaces that are central to a local economy.