Stewartville, Minn. — A tragic incident unfolded Friday morning at Stewartville High School when a shooting in the parking lot left one student injured and an adult dead. The event occurred around 5 a.m. as members of the school’s wrestling team were gathering for an upcoming meet.
According to Olmsted County Sheriff Kevin Torgerson, chaos erupted when a gunshot rang out, startling students and staff. Witnesses reported that a teammate walking in the parking lot fell to the ground after the shot was fired. In an alarming turn of events, a second shot was heard shortly after by those on the scene.
The injured student was immediately transported to Mayo Clinic Hospital-Saint Marys for surgery and is currently reported to be in critical but stable condition. Meanwhile, the adult male involved was found deceased at the scene, a firearm in hand, from a self-inflicted gunshot wound.
Sheriff Torgerson noted that authorities are actively communicating with the families affected by this incident. Both families have expressed their willingness to cooperate with law enforcement as the investigation unfolds. However, details surrounding the circumstances leading to the shooting remain limited, including the ages of the individuals involved.
Torgerson praised the swift actions of coaches who rendered assistance to the injured student, emphasizing their quick response in a moment of distress. The sheriff’s office continues to investigate, maintaining communication with the Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension for further support.
“This tragic event has far-reaching impacts that extend beyond the immediate families involved,” Torgerson stated, highlighting the sense of community affected by the shooting.
In response to the incident, Stewartville Public Schools canceled all classes for the day. Superintendent Belinda Selfors expressed deep sympathy for those affected and commended the Olmsted County Sheriff’s Office for their prompt action. She underscored the need for the community to refrain from speculation about the motives behind the shooting.
Selfors reassured the community that the well-being of students and staff remains a priority. Support and counseling services will be available as needed, both over the weekend and as school resumes on Monday. She emphasized, “We are committed to being here for our students, staff, and the broader community during this challenging time.”