UPDATE: A community in shock came together for a candlelight vigil in Stewartville, Minnesota, following a tragic shooting outside Stewartville High School on December 12, 2023. The incident occurred at approximately 5 a.m., as the school’s wrestling team prepared for a trip to Grand Forks, North Dakota.
The news hit hard when it was revealed that 19-year-old Logan Moyer had died by apparent suicide, while another unidentified individual remains in critical condition. This devastating event has left the small town grappling with grief and disbelief.
Landon Hay, a fellow student, expressed the overwhelming shock that swept through the community: “Friday morning when we got the news, we were all in disbelief,” he said. “It took me about a couple hours to actually process what had happened.”
Just days later, a vigil was organized, drawing around 50 attendees who gathered outside C&M Printing, Embroidery & Tanning along U.S. Highway 63. The choice to hold the vigil away from the school was intentional, allowing the institution to remain a safe space for students. “I thought it was important for it to not be at the school, to respect that space,” said CarolAnn Jackson, one of the event organizers.
The atmosphere was somber yet supportive, with community members uniting to honor Moyer and offer prayers for the young man still fighting for his life.
“Lord, we pray for the family of Logan,”
said Charles Jackson, another organizer.
As students returned to school, they found support from teachers, counselors, and even therapy dogs wandering the halls. Hay noted, “We had an entire school staff of support behind us. They were always there for us.”
During the vigil, emotions ran high as attendees sang and prayed together. A solitary voice began reciting The Lord’s Prayer, eventually joined by the crowd, creating a powerful moment of unity: “Thy kingdom come, thy will be done, on earth as it is in heaven.”
This tragic incident marks a significant moment in Stewartville’s history, forever altering the community’s landscape. As investigations by the Olmsted County Sheriff’s Office continue, the focus now shifts to healing and support for those affected.
As the community mourns, residents are urged to come together in solidarity, reflecting on the profound impact of this tragedy. The next steps include ongoing support initiatives for students and families, highlighting the need for mental health resources in the wake of such events.
Stay tuned for updates on this developing story as the community seeks to navigate through its grief and find a path forward.
