On what began as an ordinary day in Minneapolis, two families found their worlds shattered in ways no parent should ever endure. Fletcher Merkel, 8, and Harper Moyski, 10, lost their lives in a heartbreaking incident at Annunciation Catholic Church, leaving their community reeling with grief. Yet amid the sorrow, loved ones, neighbors, and friends have come together—not only to honor two young lives full of joy and promise but also to demand that their stories bring about lasting change. At a memorial outside the church, the children’s names were spoken with love, their photos surrounded by flowers, candles, and the sound of quiet prayers.
Fletcher’s father, Jesse Merkel, shared tender memories of his son, describing him as a boy who found happiness in the simplest of moments—whether fishing by the lake, helping in the kitchen, or running around with endless energy. He asked the community to remember Fletcher not for the tragedy that ended his life but for the laughter, kindness, and love he brought into the world. In the same way, Harper’s parents, Michael Moyski and Jackie Flavin, painted a picture of their daughter’s lighthearted spirit. Her laughter, they said, was contagious, brightening every space she entered. For Harper’s younger sister, the loss is especially profound, as she adored her big sister and looked up to her in every way.
Both families have spoken with remarkable courage, turning their grief into a call to action. “No family should ever have to endure this kind of pain,” they said, urging leaders and community members alike to strengthen support systems, prioritize mental health, and make safety an ongoing priority. The tragedy, while devastating, could have claimed even more lives—eighteen people were injured, fifteen of them children—but thanks to the swift and brave actions of staff and students, those injured are expected to survive. Fletcher’s father expressed deep gratitude for their courage, recognizing that their selflessness prevented an even greater loss.
As the city continues to heal, vigils and tributes have become a steady reminder that Fletcher and Harper’s stories matter. Church leaders, local officials, and neighbors have called for unity in this time of mourning, with U.S. flags lowered to half-staff in the children’s honor. While the grief will linger, both families remain determined that Fletcher and Harper’s legacy will not fade into statistics. Their hope is that the memory of their children—two lives filled with joy, laughter, and boundless love—will inspire a safer, stronger community for generations to come.