MINNEAPOLIS — The family of 8-year-old Fletcher Merkel said he loved family, friends, fishing, cooking and any sport that he was allowed to play.

Fletcher was one of two children who were killed in Wednesday's mass shooting at Annunciation Catholic Church , but while reading a statement Thursday afternoon, Jesse Merkel wanted people to remember his son for the life he lived, not for the attack that took his life.

"We love you, Fletcher, and you will always be with us," said Jesse, while fighting back tears.

Jesse spoke about the other victims, wishing them a full recovery, while also sharing his appreciation for the "swift and heroic" actions of the other children and adults inside the church.

"Without these people and their selfless actions, this could have been a tragedy of many ma

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