Families Remember Children Lost in Minneapolis Church Tragedy, Call for Change

In Minneapolis, two grieving families are turning unimaginable loss into a plea for something greater. The parents of 8-year-old Fletcher Merkel and 10-year-old Harper Moyski have spoken publicly, remembering their children’s joyful spirits and asking the community — and leaders — to honor them through action.

A Father’s Tribute

Outside Annunciation Catholic Church, where the tragedy took place, Fletcher’s father, Jesse Merkel, shared heartfelt words about his son. He described Fletcher as a boy happiest with a fishing pole in hand or helping in the kitchen — a child full of laughter, light, and promise. Through tears, he urged others not to focus on the violence that ended Fletcher’s life, but instead to celebrate who he was. “Remember Fletcher for the person he was, not for what took him from us,” he said, encouraging parents everywhere to hold their children closer.

A Mother’s Heartbreak

Harper’s parents, Michael Moyski and Jackie Flavin, remembered their daughter as a kind and spirited 10-year-old whose laughter lifted everyone around her. They also spoke about the deep impact on Harper’s younger sister, who adored her big sister and is now learning to live with an irreplaceable absence. “As a family, we are shattered,” they shared. “No one should ever have to go through this. Our hope is that Harper’s story inspires change.”

A Community Shaken

The incident left many others injured, though authorities confirmed they are expected to recover thanks to the quick response of staff and first responders. Families arriving at the church recalled both relief and heartbreak as they reunited with their children. Parent Carla Maldonado described the moment as one of both gratitude and sorrow. “I am thankful my kids are safe,” she said, “but I am also heartbroken that this has to be reality for schools today.”

Moving Forward

In response, flags were lowered to half-staff nationwide, and vigils have been held across Minneapolis, filling parks and church steps with candles, prayers, and songs.

Through their grief, Fletcher’s and Harper’s families continue to remind the community of the children they lost — their laughter, their kindness, their joy. And while they want their children remembered for who they were, not how their lives ended, they also want this to mark a turning point. Their call is clear: honor Fletcher and Harper by creating a safer, more compassionate future for every child.