On the morning of August 27, 2025, tragedy struck the community of Minneapolis when a mass shooting unfolded during a school-wide Mass at Annunciation Catholic Church in the Windom neighborhood.

The horrific act of violence claimed several lives and shook the community to its core. Among the victims was Fletcher Merkel, a young boy whose life was heartbreakingly cut short in a place meant to symbolize safety, faith, and community.

The grief felt by Fletcher’s family and loved ones is immeasurable. His parents, Jesse and Molly, together with their family and friends, are navigating the unbearable pain of losing a child. Their sorrow is shared by an entire community that continues to come together in prayer, solidarity, and support.

Remembering Fletcher
Fletcher will forever be remembered for the joy, laughter, and light he brought into the lives of everyone who knew him. His kind heart, playful energy, and deep love for his family made him the center of so many cherished memories. Whether in the classroom, at play, or within his church community, Fletcher’s spirit radiated warmth and innocence.

To those who loved him, he was not just a son, a grandson, or a friend—he was a beacon of joy whose presence could brighten even the darkest days. His sudden passing has left a void that can never truly be filled, yet his memory will continue to inspire love, resilience, and hope.

A Community in Mourning
The pain of this tragedy reaches far beyond Fletcher’s immediate family. The shooting at Annunciation Catholic Church has devastated neighbors, classmates, teachers, and faith leaders. Families across Edina, Minneapolis, and beyond have come together to grieve, to demand change, and to honor the lives stolen by senseless violence.

Family friend Brian Krueger expressed the sorrow shared by so many:

“It’s been a roller coaster last 7 days of emotions. But last week Wednesday one of my best friends lost his son Fletcher to a school shooting inside a church in Minneapolis. Cassey and I have grieved, cried, screamed, but nothing will make that little boy come back to life after what that coward did that day. My heart bleeds in pain for Jesse and Molly and their family. No one should ever have to go through this in their life. No one.”

Supporting the Merkel Family
In the wake of this unimaginable loss, an official GoFundMe fundraiser has been created in Fletcher’s honor. Donations will go directly to support Jesse, Molly, and their family as they face the financial burdens and emotional challenges of this tragedy. In addition to providing immediate relief for the family, a portion of the funds will also be dedicated to a charitable cause chosen by the Merkels in Fletcher’s memory.

Every contribution—no matter how small—makes a meaningful difference. While financial support is deeply appreciated, donors are reminded to only give if doing so does not cause personal hardship. Just as vital as donations are the prayers, words of comfort, and acts of kindness that continue to surround the Merkel family during this devastating time.

Honoring Fletcher’s Legacy
Though words can never erase the heartbreak of losing Fletcher, his memory will live on in the love he inspired and the determination to create a world free from violence. His short but beautiful life reminds us of the importance of compassion, connection, and community.

As family, friends, and neighbors gather to honor Fletcher, they do so with the promise to remember him always—not for the way his life ended, but for the incredible love, light, and hope he gave during his time on earth.

Fletcher, you are loved forever, and your memory will continue to inspire us.

To learn more or to donate, please visit the official GoFundMe page created in Fletcher’s honor.