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Father of 8-year-old Fletcher Merkel remembers son in wake of Minneapolis Catholic school shooting
Posted
August 28, 2025
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August 28, 2025
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3:13Now PlayingOn Thursday evening, the 8-year-old victim in the Minneapolis Catholic school shooting was identified as Fletcher Merkel. At this time, the 10-year-old victim has not been identified.
Fletcher's father, Jesse Merkel, appeared in front of Annunciation Church to read a statement from the family.
"Yesterday, a coward decided to take our eight year old, eight year old son, Fletcher, away from us. Because of their actions, we will never be allowed to hold him. Talk to him. Play with him and watch him grow into the wonderful young man he was on the path to becoming. Fletcher loved his family, friends, fishing, cooking, and any sport that he was allowed to play.
While the hole in our hearts and lives will never be filled, I hope that in time our family can find healing. I pray that the other victim's family can find some semblance of the same. I am hopeful that all the wounded are able to make a full recovery and return home to their families. And finally, all the people, and especially the children impacted by this horrific event, are able to recover mentally and find strength to live loving, happy and full lives.
Over the past day, I've heard many stories recounting the swift and heroic actions of children and adults alike from inside the church. Without these people and their selfless actions, this could have been a tragedy of many magnitudes more. For these people, I'm thankful. Moving forward. We ask not for your sympathy, but your empathy. As our family and the Annunciation community grieve and try to make sense of such a senseless act of violence. Please remember, Fletcher, for the person he was nand not the act that ended his life. Give your kids an extra hug and kiss today. We love you, Fletcher. You will always be with us."
#minneapolis #schoolshooting #catholicschool #annunciation #victim #father #statement
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