Both were shot and killed while attending the first mass of the school year.
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The two children who were murdered by Robert "Robin" Westman when he opened fire on the Annunciation Catholic School on Wednesday morning as the children sat for mass have been identified as 8-year-old Fletcher Merkel and 10-year-old Harper Moyski. Both were shot and killed while attending the first mass of the school year.
"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," said Harper's parents Michael Moyski and Jackie Flavin.
Merkel's father spoke to press, saying "Please remember Fletcher for person he was, not act that ended his life."
"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, cooking and any sport that he was allowed to play. While the hole in our hearts and lives will never be filled, I hope that in time our family can find healing.
"I pray that the other victim's family," Fletcher's father continued, "can find some semblance of the same. I'm hopeful that all 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.
"Over the past day, I've heard many stories accounting the swift and heroic actions, 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 for these people, I'm thankful 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."
"We are devastated to share that our beloved daughter, Harper Moyski, was tragically killed int he recent school shooting," read a statement from the Moyski family. "Harper was a bright, joyful, and deeply loved 10-year-old who laughter, kindness, and spirit touched everyone who knew her.
"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 out pain," the statement continued.
"We also grieve for our fellow Annunciation family in mourning and for those hurt yesterday. We are grateful for the staff and first responders who did so much for so many yesterday.
"While our immediate focus is on Harper and our family's healing, we also believe it is important that her memory fuels action. No family should ever have to endure this kind of pain. We urge our leaders and communities to take meaningful steps to address gun violence and the mental health crisis in this country. Change is possible, and it is necessary—so that Harper's story does not become yet another in a long line of tragedies.
"We are deeply grateful for the outpouring of love, prayers and support. Harper's light will always shine through us, and we hope her memory inspires other to work toward a safer, more compassionate world.
"At this time, we kindly ask the media and community to respect our privacy as we mourn and honor Harper's life together. We need space to grieve, to support Harper's sister, and to hold tightly to one another."
On Wednesday morning, Westman approached the church with three firearms and shot through the stained glass windows at the children sitting in their pews at church. He killed two children, injured 14 others, as well as three adults. The shooter was 23-years-old, identified as transgender, and left behind disturbing writings that told the story of a deeply disturbed and hate-fueled man.
"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," said Harper's parents Michael Moyski and Jackie Flavin.
Merkel's father spoke to press, saying "Please remember Fletcher for person he was, not act that ended his life."
"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, cooking and any sport that he was allowed to play. While the hole in our hearts and lives will never be filled, I hope that in time our family can find healing.
"I pray that the other victim's family," Fletcher's father continued, "can find some semblance of the same. I'm hopeful that all 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.
"Over the past day, I've heard many stories accounting the swift and heroic actions, 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 for these people, I'm thankful 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."
"We are devastated to share that our beloved daughter, Harper Moyski, was tragically killed int he recent school shooting," read a statement from the Moyski family. "Harper was a bright, joyful, and deeply loved 10-year-old who laughter, kindness, and spirit touched everyone who knew her.
"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 out pain," the statement continued.
"We also grieve for our fellow Annunciation family in mourning and for those hurt yesterday. We are grateful for the staff and first responders who did so much for so many yesterday.
"While our immediate focus is on Harper and our family's healing, we also believe it is important that her memory fuels action. No family should ever have to endure this kind of pain. We urge our leaders and communities to take meaningful steps to address gun violence and the mental health crisis in this country. Change is possible, and it is necessary—so that Harper's story does not become yet another in a long line of tragedies.
"We are deeply grateful for the outpouring of love, prayers and support. Harper's light will always shine through us, and we hope her memory inspires other to work toward a safer, more compassionate world.
"At this time, we kindly ask the media and community to respect our privacy as we mourn and honor Harper's life together. We need space to grieve, to support Harper's sister, and to hold tightly to one another."
On Wednesday morning, Westman approached the church with three firearms and shot through the stained glass windows at the children sitting in their pews at church. He killed two children, injured 14 others, as well as three adults. The shooter was 23-years-old, identified as transgender, and left behind disturbing writings that told the story of a deeply disturbed and hate-fueled man.
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