URGENT UPDATE: The small town of Stewartville, Minnesota is reeling after a tragic shooting at 5 a.m. on Friday, December 12, 2023, outside Stewartville High School. Community members gathered for a candlelight vigil just days later to honor the victims, as officials confirmed the death of 19-year-old Logan Moyer from an apparent suicide.
The shocking incident occurred as the school’s wrestling team was preparing for a trip to Grand Forks, North Dakota. Approximately 40 athletes and coaches heard gunfire, plunging the school and community into disbelief. Shortly after the shooting, the Olmsted County Sheriff’s Office announced Moyer’s death and reported that another unidentified individual remains in critical care.
“Friday morning when we got the news, we were all in disbelief,” said student Landon Hay, who attended the vigil. The gathering, attended by around 50 people, took place in a parking lot near U.S. Highway 63, just outside C&M Printing, Embroidery & Tanning, where a mural of the school’s mascot, the Tiger, looms large.
During the vigil, organizers Charles and CarolAnn Jackson led the community in prayer, emphasizing the need for support and healing. “Lord, we pray for the family of Logan,” Charles Jackson said, also praying for the individual still in critical condition.
The atmosphere was heavy with emotion as students returned to school, greeted by supportive staff, counselors, and even therapy dogs. “We had an entire school staff of support behind us,” Hay noted, highlighting the community’s response to the tragedy.
The decision to hold the vigil outside the school was intentional, with CarolAnn Jackson stating, “I thought it was important for it to not be at the school, to respect that space.” This act of solidarity provided a safe space for grieving, away from the site of the tragedy.
As the vigil progressed, a poignant moment unfolded when a voice from the crowd began reciting The Lord’s Prayer, leading to a collective response from those gathered. The community’s unity was evident as voices joined together in prayer, underscoring the emotional toll of this heartbreaking event.
Authorities continue to investigate the shooting, and the impact on the Stewartville community will likely resonate for years to come. The loss of a young life has left families devastated, and the road to healing will be long and challenging.
As the community rallies to support one another, many are left wondering how to cope with the aftermath of such a traumatic event. The town of Stewartville is not just mourning the loss of a student; they are grappling with the urgent need for conversations about mental health, safety, and support systems in schools.
What happens next? Community leaders are expected to address the ongoing mental health needs of students and families in the wake of this tragedy. Vigil organizers emphasize the importance of continued support and open discussions about the issues surrounding youth mental health and gun violence.
As Stewartville heals, the outpouring of love and support from surrounding communities serves as a reminder of the strength that can be found in unity during the darkest of times. This incident has ignited a critical dialogue that must continue as the community seeks to rebuild and support one another in the aftermath of this tragedy.
