The family of Fletcher Merkel said he loved family, friends, fishing, cooking and any sport he was allowed to play.
MINNEAPOLIS — The family of 8-year-old Fletcher Merkel said he loved family, friends, fishing, cooking and any sport that he was allowed to play.
Fletcher was one of two children who were killed in Wednesday’s mass shooting at Annunciation Catholic Church, but while reading a statement Thursday afternoon, Jesse Merkel wanted people to remember his son for the life he lived, not for the attack that took his life.
“We love you, Fletcher, and you will always be with us,” said Jesse, while fighting back tears.
Jesse spoke about the other victims, wishing them a full recovery, while also sharing his appreciation for the “swift and heroic” actions of the other children and adults inside the church.
“Without these people and their selfless actions, this could have been a tragedy of many magnitudes more,” Jesse said. “For these people, I am thankful.”
According to Children’s Minnesota, seven kids between the ages of 9 and 16 were admitted, and five have been discharged. In an update on Thursday, HCMC said six of the 10 total patients are in “satisfactory” condition, including five children. One adult and one child are in serious condition, and one child is in critical condition.
“This is a horrible, unspeakable event that affected our community, affected our workforce, and obviously affected those directly involved,” said Hennepin Healthcare CEO Dr. Tom Clemons. “At Hennepin, this is what we do, we’re a trauma center, we take care of the worst of the worst for injuries. So this is part of our daily work, but we’re also human, know that we feel pain along with our community in this circumstance.”
Several vigils were held Wednesday night, while businesses and community members continued to rally around the victims on Thursday.