Two children, 8-year-old Fletcher Merkel and 10-year-old Harper Moyski, were killed and 18 others were injured when a shooter opened fire during Mass at Annunciation Catholic School. Families described the children as beloved, bright, and joyful, and expressed profound grief and loss. Parents urged other caregivers to give extra hugs and kisses to their children in the wake of the tragedy and called for changes addressing gun violence and mental health. Families also expressed gratitude for the swift, heroic actions of children and adults inside the church that limited further casualties.
Yesterday, a coward decided to take our 8-year-old son Fletcher away from us. Because of their actions, we will never be allowed to hold him, talk to him, play with him, and watch him grow into the wonderful young man he was on the path to becoming. Fletcher loved his family, friends, fishing, and any sport that he was allowed to play.
Over the past day, I've heard many stories accounting the swift and heroic actions of children and adults alike from inside the church. Without these people and their selfless actions, this could have been a tragedy of many magnitudes more.
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, and words cannot capture the depth of our pain.
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