10-year-old Harper Moyski ID'd as second shooting victim, parents recall her ‘big heart, bright smile’

MINNEAPOLIS, MINNESOTA: The second child killed in Wednesday’s deadly mass shooting at a Catholic school has been identified as 10-year-old Harper Moyski, as grieving parents and community members share heartbreaking tributes and renewed calls for change.

Harper’s death, along with that of 8-year-old Fletcher Merkel, has left two families shattered and sparked nationwide outrage.

The attack also left 18 others injured, mostly children, as authorities continue searching for a motive behind the gunman’s rampage.

Parents mourn children lost in school massacre

"We are devastated to share that our beloved daughter, Harper Moyski, was tragically killed in the recent school shooting. Harper was a bright, joyful, and deeply loved 10-year-old whose laughter, kindness, and spirit touched everyone who knew her," Harper's parents, Michael Moyski and Jackie Flavin, said in a statement on Thursday, August 28.

"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," they added. "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. 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."

Her parents continued, "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 others 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."

Earlier in the day, Fletcher Merkel’s father, Jessie, spoke publicly about losing his 8-year-old son. “Yesterday, a coward decided to take our 8-year-old son Fletcher away from us,” he said at a Thursday press conference.

Community mourns Harper Moyski's death

Family, friends, and teachers recalled Harper's laughter, big heart, and the devastating loss felt across the community.

A Facebook user, Christy Schuler, wrote, "We always think that a tragic event won’t happen to us. Our hearts break for those families that lost or had a loved one injured in the recent Annunciation Catholic School shooting. Brooke and Lauren are feeling the heartache tonight. They were lucky enough to get to know, while coaching, one of those who lost their life. Please say an extra prayer for this beautiful little girl Harper Moyski, her family, and all of those others affected. Hug your children tight and tell them how much you love them!"

A friend, neighbor, and co-worker to the Moyski/Flavin family, Cody Griggs, wrote on GoFundMe, "We are devastated to share that our beloved daughter, Harper Moyski, was tragically killed in the recent school shooting. Harper was a bright, joyful, and deeply loved 10-year-old whose 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 our pain. We also grieve for our fellow Annunciation family in mourning and for those hurt on August 27th. We are grateful for the staff and first responders who did so much for so many."

Lisa Ann, Harper’s teacher, posted, "I had the pleasure of teaching this sweet, beautiful, joyful, spunky girl who loved to sing and laugh with her friends. We are absolutely heartbroken and crushed for our families who have lost their beautiful child. Please consider donating to this beautiful family as they try to cope with this unimaginable heartbreak."

Children wounded in the attack face long recoveries

Among the 18 injured was 12-year-old Sophia Forchas, who remains in critical condition after emergency surgery. “Her road ahead will be long, uncertain, and incredibly difficult, but she is strong, and she is not alone,” a GoFundMe page said.

Thirteen-year-old Endre Gunter was also shot twice in the stomach. Before surgery, he asked a surgeon, “Can you say a prayer with me?” According to his family, his courage inspired the entire medical team.

Investigators examine Robin Westman writings

Authorities identified the attacker as Robin Westman, who died of a self-inflicted gunshot wound during the incident at Annunciation Catholic School. FBI Director Kash Patel described the assault as “an act of domestic terrorism motivated by a hate-filled ideology,” citing a manifesto and markings on weapons expressing anti-Catholic and anti-religious sentiment, as well as hatred toward Jewish people and President Trump.

Police said 116 rifle rounds were fired during the attack. Writings reviewed by CNN suggest Westman also expressed admiration for past mass shooters and denied any single motive: “This is not a church or religion attack, that is not the message. The message is there is no message.”

The shooting, which comes just weeks after the killing of two Minnesota lawmakers in June, has fueled urgent appeals for reform. “You can make things happen. You can actually stop this from happening,” said Manuel Oliver, whose son was killed in the 2018 Parkland school shooting. “This is the time for us to change things.”

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