Tragedy strikes Annunciation, as adored patriarch Fletcher and cherished elder sibling Harper lose their lives; community grieves the loss of their joyful, loving family members in the shooting incident.
In the aftermath of the tragic shooting at the Annunciation Catholic Church in Minneapolis on August 27, the families of the victims and the church community are seeking solace, healing, and a brighter future.
Jesse Merkel, father of 8-year-old Fletcher Merkel, who was one of the victims, asked for empathy, not sympathy, from the public as they grieve and try to make sense of the senseless act. He expressed gratitude for the swift and heroic actions of children and adults inside the church, and expressed his grief during an Aug. 28 press conference.
Fletcher's father also pleaded for parents to give their children an extra hug and kiss in light of the tragedy. He and his family will always carry Fletcher with them, he said.
Harper Moyski, a bright, joyful, and deeply loved 10-year-old, was also a victim of the shooting. Her parents, Michael Moyski and Jackie Flavin, confirmed her death and expressed their grief in an Aug. 28 statement. They also hope her memory will inspire others to work toward a safer, more compassionate world.
Harper's sister is also grieving for her loss, and the family continues to express their broken hearts for both Harper and her sister. The family and community also continue to grieve for Harper, asking that she be remembered for the person she was, not the act that ended her life.
In response to the tragedy, the Archdiocese of Saint Paul and Minneapolis has initiated a fundraising campaign to cover the costs for the church and school and to support the victims. The Catholic Community Foundation of Minnesota has established The Annunciation Hope and Healing Fund to provide financial support for the church, school, and affected individuals. Online donations can be made to this fund.
The hole left by Fletcher's death will never be filled, according to Jesse Merkel. The family and community continue to ask for remembrance of Fletcher for the person he was, not the act that ended his life.
The story has been updated at 11 a.m. ET. Our thoughts and prayers are with the families and community affected by this tragedy.
