The victims of the Minneapolis Catholic school massacre have been named as Fletcher Merkel, 8, and Harper Moyski, 10, two children remembered for their laughter, kindness, and love of life.
Remembering Fletcher
Standing outside Annunciation Catholic Church, Fletcher’s father Jessie Merkel spoke through tears about the little boy who loved fishing, cooking, and any sport he could try.
“Yesterday, a coward decided to take our eight-year-old son Fletcher away from us,” he said. “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.”
He asked the community to remember Fletcher not for the violent act that ended his life, but “for the person he was.” Outside the church, mourners left a memorial of flowers, children’s books, balloons, and hand-drawn pictures, with one note signed “Mom — I love you always and forever.”
Harper’s light
Harper’s parents, Michael Moyski and Jackie Flavin, described their daughter as a “bright, joyful, and deeply loved” 10-year-old whose laughter and kindness touched everyone who knew her.
“Our hearts are broken not only as parents, but also for Harper’s sister, who adored her big sister and is grieving an unimaginable loss,” they said in a statement. “As a family, we are shattered, and words cannot capture the depth of our pain.”
Harper’s family expressed gratitude for the support pouring in from across the community, saying the kindness of strangers has been a source of strength in their darkest days.
Her family also urged leaders to take meaningful steps to address gun violence and mental health so that Harper’s story “does not become yet another in a long line of tragedies.”
Survivors’ courage
While two young lives were cut short, survivors are fighting to recover. Endre Gunter, 13, was shot in the stomach as he prayed with classmates. Before surgery, he stunned doctors by asking his surgeon to say a prayer with him. His aunt later wrote that his courage “inspired the entire medical team.”
Another victim, 12-year-old Sophia Forchas, remains in critical condition after emergency surgery. Her mother, a pediatric critical care nurse at Hennepin County Medical Center, learned her daughter had been injured only after arriving at her hospital to help treat other victims.
A city in mourning
The attack left 18 others wounded, including 15 children and three elderly parishioners. Witnesses described chaos as the gunman fired from outside through narrow stained-glass windows, forcing children to dive under pews.
The gunman, 23-year-old Robin Westman, died by suicide in the church parking lot before police arrived.
At vigils across Minneapolis, candles flickered in memory of Fletcher and Harper — symbols of two young lives stolen, but never forgotten. Their families now hold onto the hope that love, faith, and community will help them endure an “unimaginable loss.”
