By OSV News
(OSV News) — 8-year-old Fletcher Merkel “loved his family, friends, fishing, cooking and any sport that he was allowed to play” and the hole left in his family’s hearts by his death will never be filled, his father remarked at an Aug. 28 press conference outside Annunciation School in Minneapolis.
Fletcher and 10-year-old Harper Moyski were confirmed as victims of the Aug. 27 shooting at Annunciation Catholic Church, in statements shared by their parents. Local ABC channel KSTP reported that the families of the two children killed have spoken publicly for the first time.
Jesse Merkel’s remarks mourned the loss of young Fletcher and that they would never be allowed to “watch him grow into the wonderful young man he was on the path to becoming.”
He also noted prayers for the family of Harper and of the other people affected by the shooting, and gratitude for “the swift and heroic actions of children and adults alike” inside the church.
“We ask not for your sympathy, but your empathy as our family and our Annunciation community grieve and try to make sense of such a senseless act of violence,” Merkel said. “Please remember Fletcher for the person he was and not the act that ended his life.”
Harper was a “bright, joyful, and deeply loved 10-year-old whose laughter, kindness, and spirit touched everyone,” her parents, Michael Moyski and Jackie Flavin, said in a statement issued Aug. 28.
“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. As a family, we are shattered,” they said.
“While our immediate focus is on Harper and our family’s healing, we also believe it is important that her memory fuels action. No family should ever have to endure this kind of pain. We urge our leaders and communities to take meaningful steps to address gun violence and the mental health crisis in this country,” they continued.
“Harper’s light will always shine through us, and we hope her memory inspires others to work toward a safer, more compassionate world.”
The Catholic Community Foundation of Minnesota has established The Annunciation Hope and Healing Fund to provide financial support for the needs of the church and school and to provide support to those affected by the tragedy. Donate online at https://secure.myvanco.com/L-ZM37/campaign/C-1619X
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