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Minneapolis council honors student Fletcher Merkel with honorary resolution
Summary
Minneapolis City Council presented an honorary resolution Feb. 19 recognizing the life and memory of 8-year-old Fletcher Alexander Merkel, who was killed Aug. 27, 2025 at Annunciation School. Principal DeBoer and Fletcher’s first-grade teacher addressed the council and the chamber joined in a song.
Minneapolis — The City Council opened its Feb. 19 meeting by presenting an honorary resolution remembering Fletcher Alexander Merkel and extending condolences to his family and school community.
Council President Elliot Payne announced the resolution and named Council Members Paul Masano and Whiting as presenters. The resolution recited Fletcher’s birth date and described his interests and family, and it noted that his family has turned the loss into advocacy and an endowment in his name.
Principal DeBoer addressed the chamber: “It’s an honor to be standing here with all of you, although none of us want to be standing here today,” and led attendees in a verse of “This Little Light of Mine.” Sarah Slack, who identified herself as Fletcher’s first‑grade teacher, told the council, “Fletcher was pure love and joy and mischief and curiosity” and said the boy “will be forever missed and cherished.”
The resolution honors Fletcher’s life, offers the council’s condolences to his family, friends and school community, and affirms that his memory will continue to shape local efforts to support the community.
The council read the resolution aloud, acknowledged the family and members of Annunciation School present in the chamber, and closed the presentation with the song and a moment of remembrance. The council then proceeded with its regular agenda.
The council did not take formal legislative action relating to the resolution beyond adoption of the honorary measure; the resolution serves as a symbolic and memorial action recorded in the council minutes.
