URGENT UPDATE: The small community of Stewartville, Minnesota is in mourning after a tragic shooting incident that unfolded outside Stewartville High School early Friday morning, December 12, 2023. The shocking event occurred around 5 a.m. as the school’s wrestling team prepared for a trip to Grand Forks, North Dakota.
As approximately 40 athletes and coaches gathered in the parking lot, they were startled by the sound of gunfire. Moments later, the community learned that 19-year-old Logan Moyer had died by apparent suicide, while another unidentified individual remained in critical condition at a local hospital.
Landon Hay, a fellow student, expressed the disbelief felt by many in the community, stating, “Friday morning when we got the news, we were all in disbelief.” The emotional toll of losing a peer has left a profound impact on both students and families.
In response to the tragedy, a candlelight vigil was held just days later, drawing about 50 attendees who gathered outside C&M Printing, Embroidery & Tanning along U.S. Highway 63. Organizers, including Charles Jackson and CarolAnn Jackson, emphasized the importance of coming together outside of school to honor those affected while preserving the school’s sanctity as a safe space for students.
During the vigil, heartfelt prayers were offered for both Moyer’s family and the individual still in critical care. “Lord, we pray for the family of Logan,” Charles Jackson conveyed to the crowd, underscoring the communal grief shared by attendees.
As the vigil progressed, a palpable sense of support enveloped the gathering. Attendees recited The Lord’s Prayer, uniting in their sorrow and strength. The emotional atmosphere was heightened as speakers expressed their collective heartbreak, with songs of hope resonating among the crowd.
Returning to school after the shooting, students like Hay found comfort in the overwhelming support from teachers, counselors, and even therapy dogs, who roamed the halls to provide comfort. “We had an entire school staff of support behind us,” Hay said. “They were always there for us.”
The Olmsted County Sheriff’s Office continues to investigate the incident, leaving the community questioning how such a tragedy could occur in their tight-knit town. As grief settles in, the people of Stewartville are left to grapple with the loss and seek healing in the days ahead.
For those affected, this incident serves as a reminder of the fragility of life and the importance of community support. As the investigation unfolds, Stewartville residents remain united in their grief, determined to honor the memory of their fallen peer while supporting one another through this challenging time.
Stay tuned for more updates on this developing story as the community continues to navigate its path toward healing.
