UPDATE: Stewartville, Minnesota, is reeling from a devastating shooting that occurred outside Stewartville High School on December 12, 2023. The tragedy unfolded around 5 a.m. as the school’s wrestling team prepared for a trip to Grand Forks, North Dakota. Witnesses reported hearing gunshots as approximately 40 athletes and coaches gathered in the parking lot.
The shooting left 19-year-old Logan Moyer dead from an apparent suicide, while another unidentified individual remains in critical condition, according to the Olmsted County Sheriff’s Office. This incident has shattered the community, leaving families and friends grappling with heartbreak and disbelief.
Landon Hay, a fellow student, expressed the collective shock felt throughout Stewartville. “Friday morning when we got the news, we were all in disbelief,” he stated. “It took me about a couple hours to actually process what had happened.” In response to the tragedy, the community came together for a candlelight vigil held on Monday evening, drawing around 50 attendees outside C&M Printing, Embroidery & Tanning.
Organizers Charles and CarolAnn Jackson emphasized the importance of holding the vigil away from school grounds to preserve the sanctity of the educational environment. “I thought it was important for it to not be at the school, to respect that space,” CarolAnn noted. The vigil featured heartfelt prayers and communal singing, providing a moment of solace for those mourning the loss.
As the vigil progressed, the atmosphere shifted from sorrow to unity. Attendees joined together to recite The Lord’s Prayer, creating a powerful moment of collective healing amidst the pain. “Lord, we pray for the family of Logan,” Charles Jackson implored during the vigil. “We pray for the young man still in critical but stable condition.”
Stewartville High School has since mobilized support for its students, offering counseling services and therapy dogs to help them cope with the emotional aftermath of the violence. Hay acknowledged the overwhelming support from the school staff, stating, “We had an entire school staff of support behind us. They were always there for us.”
The shooting has left an indelible mark on Stewartville, a small town now grappling with the shadows of tragedy. As students return to class, the community remains vigilant, rallying together to support one another in this time of need. The next steps for the community will involve ongoing grief support and discussions about mental health resources, reinforcing the need for connection and understanding in the wake of such a loss.
As the investigation continues, the impact of this tragedy will be felt for years to come, urging communities everywhere to prioritize mental health and support systems for their youth.
