8-Year-Old Fletcher Remembered After Annunciation Catholic School Shooting

MINNEAPOLIS, MN — The father of 8-year-old Fletcher, one of the two children killed in Wednesday’s mass shooting at Annunciation Catholic School, shared an emotional statement Thursday remembering his son and calling for healing in the community.

"Yesterday, a coward decided to take our eight-year-old son, Fletcher, away from us," the father said.

"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’s father described his son as a boy who loved "family, friends, fishing, cooking and any sport that he was allowed to play."

He also offered prayers for the other child killed in the attack, the 17 people wounded, and all the students and families impacted.

"I pray that the other victim's family can find some semblance of [healing]," he said.

"I’m hopeful that all the wounded are able to make a full recovery and return home to their families, and finally, all the people, and especially the children impacted by this horrific event are able to recover mentally and find strength to live loving, happy and full lives."

He also acknowledged the bravery shown inside the church during the attack.

“Over the past day, I've heard many stories recounting the swift and heroic actions of children and adults alike from inside the church,” the father said. “Without these people and their selfless actions, this could have been a tragedy of many magnitudes more. For these people, I’m thankful.”

He asked the public to support grieving families with empathy and to honor Fletcher’s life for who he was, not how he died.

"Moving forward, we ask not for your sympathy, but your empathy as our family and the Annunciation community grieve and try to make sense of such a senseless act of violence. Please remember Fletcher for the person he was and 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."

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