Jesse Merkel, Fletcher’s father, said the hole left in his family’s hearts by his son’s death will never be filled, during an Aug. 28 press conference outside Annunciation School in Minneapolis. “We ask not for your sympathy, but your empathy as our family and our Annunciation community grieve and try to make sense of such a senseless act of violence,” Merkel said. “Our hearts are broken not only as parents, but also for Harper’s sister, who adored her big sister and is grieving an unimaginable loss. “While our immediate focus is on Harper and our family’s healing, we also believe it is important that her memory fuels action. We urge our leaders and communities to take meaningful steps to address gun violence and the mental health crisis in this country,” they continued.