Outside Annunciation Church on Thursday, grief hung heavy in the air as Jesse Merkel spoke publicly for the first time about the loss of his 8-year-old son, Fletcher. The boy was one of two children killed when a gunman opened fire during a morning mass at the church the day before.
Authorities confirmed that 23-year-old Robin Westman fired into the sanctuary through a window while students gathered for the service before the start of school. Fletcher and another student, a 10-year-old whose name has not yet been released, lost their lives in the attack.
Standing before reporters and mourners, Merkel delivered an emotional statement, remembering his son not for the way his life ended, but for the joy he brought to everyone around him.
“Yesterday, a coward took Fletcher away from us,” Merkel said, his voice breaking. “Because of that choice, we’ll never again be able to hold him, talk to him, or watch him grow into the wonderful young man he was becoming. Fletcher loved his family and friends, he loved fishing, cooking, and playing any sport he could. He lived life with so much enthusiasm.”
Merkel went on to acknowledge the pain shared by all the families affected, offering prayers for the wounded and urging compassion for survivors. “The hole in our lives will never be filled, but I hope in time our family—and the others who are grieving—can begin to heal,” he said. “I pray the injured children and adults recover fully, and that everyone touched by this horrific event, especially the children, find the strength to move forward with love in their hearts.”
Officials reported that as of Thursday, one child remained in critical condition, while another child and one adult were listed in serious condition. More than a dozen others suffered less severe injuries.
Merkel also expressed gratitude to those who acted quickly to protect others inside the church. “I’ve heard so many stories in the last day about the bravery shown in those terrifying moments. Without those people, this tragedy could have been even worse. For them, I am thankful.”
In closing, he pleaded for Fletcher’s memory to be defined by his spirit, not by the violence that cut his life short. “Please remember Fletcher for the boy he was, not the act that ended his life. Give your kids an extra hug and kiss today. We love you, Fletcher—you’ll always be with us.”
