In the aftermath of the tragic mass shooting in Tumbler Ridge, British Columbia, a young musician from Cobble Hill on Vancouver Island, Kairo Ellis, is seeking to bring light and hope during a challenging time through his music. At just 13 years old, Kairo has taken it upon himself to provide solace to the grief-stricken community, even though he did not personally know the victims of the tragedy.
Feeling deeply affected by the heartbreaking news, Kairo described his distress while sitting on the couch with his mother when they learned about the incident. He expressed that the news filled him with a sense of sickness and helplessness, as it struck a chord with his own experiences of loss, particularly when he lost a hockey teammate. To convey his feelings, Kairo released his first tribute video, performing a cover of Zach Bryan's "Pink Skies." This song served as a source of comfort for him during his difficult times, and he hoped it might similarly help others cope with their grief.
"I know music can't fix what happened, but it can be a place to put our heavy hearts for a few minutes," Kairo conveyed in a heartfelt Facebook post, underscoring the role of music as a therapeutic outlet amid sorrow. His efforts began to gain traction when his tribute videos started receiving a significant number of views, accumulating nearly a million views within days following the shooting.
Kairo's intention behind these videos was to send love and support to the families affected by the tragedy and reassure them they are not alone during this dark period. The national response to his tributes has been overwhelming, with many rallying around the courage displayed by 12-year-old Maya Gebala, who is critically injured after reportedly trying to protect her classmates during the incident. Moved by her bravery, Kairo recorded a cover of "Something in the Orange," another song by Zach Bryan, which ultimately reached Maya's hospital room. Her mother later reached out to express gratitude for Kairo's touching gesture.
Kairo felt compelled to send a personal message to Maya, encouraging her to keep fighting. "You're strong. You're a hockey player; we have that grit, that fight," he stated, as he urged her to recover and return to her family and friends. His words reflect not only empathy for Maya’s plight but also a sense of kinship shared among young hockey players who understand the spirit of resilience.
As Kairo continues to express his sorrow and solidarity through music, he hopes to offer a small measure of comfort to the grieving community of Tumbler Ridge. His endeavors highlight the power of music as a unifying force and a means of expressing support in the wake of unimaginable loss. Through his melodies, Kairo Ellis aims to remind the community that they are not alone in their grief and that love and support persist even in the darkest of times.
