Stewartville, Minnesota — A serious incident unfolded at Stewartville High School on Friday morning when an adult male shot a student before taking his own life. The shooting occurred in the school parking lot around 5 a.m. as students were preparing to leave for a wrestling meet.
Olmsted County Sheriff Kevin Torgerson reported that deputies arrived shortly after receiving emergency calls about the gunfire. Eyewitnesses indicated that approximately 40 students, including members of the wrestling team, were present near a bus when they heard two distinct gunshots. Students initially thought it might be fireworks before realizing the gravity of the situation.
One male teenager was found on the ground with a gunshot wound by coaches who were on site. He was quickly transported to a nearby hospital, where he underwent surgery. Family members later updated law enforcement, confirming that the student was in critical but stable condition.
Authorities also discovered the body of the adult male, who they believe died from a self-inflicted gunshot wound. He was pronounced dead at the scene. Sheriff Torgerson emphasized the rarity of such an incident in the tight-knit community of Stewartville, calling it an “emotional” time for all involved.
Students at the school were eventually reunited with their families, and school counselors were made available to assist those impacted by the traumatic event. Sheriff Torgerson expressed condolences to the families affected, noting the incident’s widespread emotional toll on the community.
Lawmakers in Minnesota, including State Senator Carla Nelson, have expressed their sorrow over the event. In her statement, Nelson described the occurrence as tragic and extended her thoughts and prayers to the injured student and those mourning the loss of the adult male. She praised law enforcement and first responders for their swift action during the crisis.
As the investigation unfolds, authorities are maintaining communication with the families of both individuals involved. Sheriff Torgerson reiterated the commitment of his office to thoroughly investigate the circumstances surrounding the incident to ensure community safety moving forward.