Minneapolis ICU nurse faces horror as school shooting victims arrive

By
Monica Pop
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Amy Forchas, a pediatric nurse at Hennepin Healthcare rushed to work on Wednesday morning to assist with the influx of victims from Annunciation Catholic school shooting. What she didn’t know, however, was that one of those injured was her own daughter, Sofia Forchas.

The tragic shooting that left two children, 8-year-old Fletcher Merkel and 10-year-old Harper Moyski, killed and 17 others injured happened during a school Mass at Annunciation Catholic Church.

The shooter, who opened fire through the church’s stained-glass windows, was identified as 23-year-old former student Robin Westman.

He used various weapons, including a rifle, a shotgun and a pistol, the Guardian reported.

Sofia Forchas/ GoFundMe

The shooter grew up in Richfield and his mother worked at Annunciation school at some point in the past.

As victims began arriving at the hospital, Amy was shocked to see Sophia, who was badly injured.

“Her mother, a Pediatric Critical Care nurse, arrived at work to help during the tragedy, before knowing it was her children’s school that was attacked, and that her daughter was critically injured,” according to a GoFundMe page that lists Forchas’ father Thomas as an organizer.

“Sophia was shot during the attack and is currently in critical condition in the ICU,” the page adds. “She has already undergone emergency surgery, and her medical team is doing everything they can to stabilize her. Her road ahead will be long, uncertain, and incredibly difficult — but she is strong, and she is not alone.”

Sofia Forchas/ GoFundMe

Father Timothy Sas of St. Mary’s Greek Orthodox Church in Minneapolis described Sophia as a 7th grader who is “immersed in the life of the Church together with her extended family of several generations who are devoted members of our congregation.”

He wrote, “I have spent a good portion of the day with Sophia’s family at Hennepin County Medical Center where Sophia went into surgery immediately as she was one of the shooting victims who had been critically injured.

“We prayed and comforted each other throughout the day.”

Sofia Forchas/ GoFundMe

Sophia’s younger brother was also at the church at the time Westman, a transgender woman, opened the fire, but he wasn’t harmed.

“The trauma of witnessing such a terrifying event — and knowing his sister was critically injured — is something no child should ever experience,” the GoFundMe reads.

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Tragic update: 5-year-old girl pulled into storm drain

By
Monica Pop
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On a Sunday evening, 5-year-old Zaria Miller, her brothers, and some friends were cheerfully playing outdoors near Bahia Vista Street, close to Sarasota Christian School near a culvert—a tunnel-like structure that channels rainwater underground.

The game soon turned into a tragedy when the raging flow, intensified by rainfall, dragged Zaria into the storm drainage system.

Emergency services arrived at the scene in an attempt to rescue the little girl in what they dubbed “far from a routine call.” Sadly, the water carried her approximately 100 yards through the underground pipes before she was finally located and taken out.

Zaria Miller/ GoFundMe

“It was a low-frequency but high-risk event. There’s a tremendous amount of danger involved in these types of rescues due to the unpredictability of water flow and the confined space,” Assistant Fire Chief Tim Dorsey told ABC7 News.

An eye witness who wanted to remain anonymous described the tragic incident. “All of a sudden, I heard shouting and people screaming,” she said. “Then I heard someone say that one of the little girls from the neighborhood had been pulled into the water. It happened so fast. It’s something you never expect.”

Zaria was rushed to the Sarasota Memorial Hospital with severe injuries. Despite the trauma she suffered, medics did all in their power to rescue her.

Zaria Miller/ GoFundMe

The entire community railed around the family to provide them with support. They even started a GoFundMe page to help them with the medical expenses.

Sadly, five days later, Zaria passed away.

“It is with a broken heart that I have to share that Zaria has received the ultimate healing, and is now in the arms of Jesus,” her devastated family posted on the social media, thanking everyone for their support.

Zaria’s tragic passing is yet another reminder that life is unpredictable and everything can change in the blink of an eyes. May she rest in peace.

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I stood by my paralyzed husband for 8 years – When he recovered, he ended our marriage

By
Monica Pop
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Sometimes, when I’m all alone, I still replay it all in my head, and every time it feels like it is someone else’s life story.

I gave years of my life to a man without being aware of his true self. I thought I knew him inside and out, and why wouldn’t I? We had two children together and life felt perfect, until David got involved in an accident that left him paralyzed from the waist down.

One second, everything was picture perfect, and in the next, David was in a wheelchair, paralyzed and unable to walk.

Being a wife and a mother, all I knew was that I needed to step into survival mode. All of a sudden, I became a caregiver, the one paying the bills, the one keeping the kids’ lives as normal as possible, and the person everyone leaned on.

I quit the career I had worked so hard for and I traded it all for long nights of lifting, bathing, cooking, and trying to be strong for everyone else.

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During the day, worked at an insurance office, starting early and staying late because I was the sole breadwinner and money was tight as never before. When I’d get home, I was exhausted, but I couldn’t take any rest because it was then that the real work began—caring for David, making sure the kids felt safe, and holding our family together.

Although I felt emotionally and physically drained, I never thought about leaving. Not once.

I knew that God wanted things to be that way and despite the hardship, I knew one day my sacrifice would pay of.

And then it started to happen. After long eight years of therapy, David’s condition started to improve, slowly but steadily.

It took a lot of time, but he was finally able to stand on his feet and take small steps. At first, he needed assistance, but later, he started walking all by himself.

Looking at him and the progress he made, I thought to myself, “This is it. We finally made it. All my sacrifice was not in vain.” Little did I know, however, that life would have one more cruel twist waiting for me.

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A week after what I dubbed a miracle, David handed me some papers. He wanted divorce.

I thought he was joking, because why would he want to leave me after everything I had done for him? But no, he wasn’t kidding, he was dead serious.

When I demanded answers, David said he wanted his “freedom” back. That he had felt “trapped” for years. What’s more, he admitted he was having an affair with another woman even before his accident.

My world collapsed. I couldn’t process his words. But I was too exhausted to fight.

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Later on, the entire truth came out. It turned out that some of the money I had worked myself into the ground for had been secretly used into supporting this other woman, this secret life. That was a whole new kind of betrayal. It wasn’t just emotional anymore, it was financial, I felt robbed.

I got custody of the kids and decided to start my life over. I got my old job back, reconnected with friends, and moved places.

As of David, the other woman left him. From what I’ve heard, he is now living alone and regrets his actions. But honestly, I’ve been through so much in order to care about his feelings.

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A young boy with terminal cancer had one final wish — and Shaquille O’Neal’s unbelievable response left his family in tears

By
Monica Pop
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No child should ever be diagnosed with cancer, but the reality is that many children face this disease, leaving them and their families struggling and fighting for their lives.

When 10-year-old Branson Blevins was diagnosed with cancer, his family’s world shattered into a million pieces. They tried everything in their power and young Branson had undergone a number of treatments, but sadly, doctors determined his cancer was terminal and there was nothing left to be done.

His family made sure they provided the best care for their son, turning his wishes into a reality, but he didn’t want any material things. This boy’s biggest wish was to meet his basketball idol, the former NBA star Shaquille O’Neal. Watching old game highlights, listening to Shaq’s jokes on TV, and even his commercials provided Branson with brief moments of happiness while his body struggled.

Branson’s dad, a veteran, wrote a letter to Shaquille O’Neal, pouring out his heart and explaining Branson’s condition and his final wish.

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However, days turned into weeks and there was no reply. Of course, they weren’t mad or anything, because they were well aware that celebs follow hectic schedules.

One day, however, one of the nurses at the hospital who cared for Branson asked if she could share his story and his wish on the social media. And that’s when a miracle happened.

The post attracted the attention of hundreds of people who re-shared it and started tagging the NBA star. Eventually, the plea reached “The Big Aristotle.”

But unlike other celebrities who would send merchandise through the mail, Shaq took matter into his own hands and decided to appear at Branson’s hospital in person.

At first, the boy’s eyes widened in disbelief. This couldn’t be real. Standing in the doorway was the 7-foot-1 giant he had idolized, wearing a gentle smile that lit up the room.

“Hey, big man,” Shaq said as he stepped inside.

Branson’s smile returned as Shaq knelt beside him, holding his hand, joking, and sharing stories from his basketball career.

They watched highlights together, and Shaq signed Branson’s basketball, sneakers, and even his cast. At one point, Shaq wheeled him down the hallway, laughing and teasing that he was “driving his little buddy to practice.”

That visit went way beyond fun. Shaq offered words of encouragement: “You are stronger than me. You are tougher than me. And I’ll never forget you.” He also quietly supported the family, covering expenses and ensuring they could focus on their time together.

Sadly, Branson’s health declined and he passed away, but the memory of his last days remained with his family forever.

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Family of two children, ages 8 and 10, killed in the annunciation catholic church shooting speak out

By
Monica Pop
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After an unthinkable tragedy that claimed the lives of two young children, their families are turning grief into a plea for change, refusing to let a single violent act define their children’s lives.

The community of Minneapolis was shattered by violence in a place meant for worship when a gunman opened fire during a school Mass at Annunciation Catholic Church, and two children, 8-year-old Fletcher Merkel and 10-year-old Harper Moyski were killed during the shooting.

17 other were injured during the act. Among them, 14 children aged six to 15 and three parishioners in their 80s.

The shooter, who opened fire through the church’s stained-glass windows, was identified as 23-year-old former student Robin Westman.

He used various weapons, including a rifle, a shotgun and a pistol, the Guardian reported.

The shooter grew up in Richfield and his mother worked at Annunciation school at some point in the past.

Police identified the shooter as 23-year-old former student Robin Westman.

According to court documents obtained by the Guardian, Westman filed in Dakota County to change their birth name from Robert to Robin after identifying as a woman. The request was approved in January 2020.

Minneapolis police chief Brian O’Hara said, “This was a deliberate act of violence against innocent children and other people worshiping. The sheer cruelty and cowardice of firing into a church full of children is absolutely incomprehensible.” 

O’Hara shared that the shooter had scheduled a manifesto to be released on YouTube that “appeared to show him at the scene and included some disturbing writings.” With the help of the FBI, the content has now been removed, he added.

An undated photo of Fletcher Merkel/ Merkel family

Jesse Merkel, 8-year-old Fletcher’s father, spoke of the tragedy that took their son from them, saying, “Yesterday, a coward decided to take our 8-year-old son, Fletcher, away from us.

“Because of their actions, we will never be allowed to hold him, talk to him, play with him, and watch him grow into the wonderful young man he was on the path to becoming.”

He spoke of his son and shared that Fletcher loved life.

He adored his friends, loved fishing, cooking “and any sport that he was allowed to play.” 

The father added, “While the hole in our hearts and lives will never be filled, I hope that in time, our family can find healing. I pray that the other victim’s family can find some semblance of the same.”

An undated photo of Harper Moyski/ Michael Moyski and Jackie Flavin

10-year-old Harper was described as a “bright, joyful, and deeply loved 10-year-old whose laughter, kindness, and spirit touched everyone who knew her.”

“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,” her parents, Michael Moyski and Jackie Flavin, said in a statement provided to ABC Minneapolis station KSTP. “As a family, we are shattered, and words cannot capture the depth of our pain.”

Authorities are investigating the motive behind the shooting, while the shooter has expressed remorse and admitted to experiencing profound distress along with the intent to commit a final act.

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11-year-old girl sacrifices her life to save cousin in tubing tragedy

By
Monica Pop
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The beginning of the summer in Florida, which was supposed to bring all the fun the season usually promises, brought a tragedy for one family instead.

Jordan Roe, an 11-year-old girl known for her kindness, dubbed “the protector” of her family, proved once again why she deserved that nickname. But sadly, this time, it cost her her life.

It was June 24, 2025, when Jordan and her cousins—8-year-old Laila and 9-year-old Brylee—set out for a day of fun at Star Lake, which sits along the Putnam–Alachua county border in Florida.

The kids spent the day splashing in the water, tubing behind a Sea-Doo jet ski, and enjoying the Florida sunshine during a family barbecue. Nothing spoke trouble that day,but then the unimaginable happened.

Jordan Roe and her cousins were tubing behind the jet ski when an accident happened — the watercraft suddenly veered out of control and struck a dock, throwing them violently into the water.

Gofundme

The accident unfolded in a matter of seconds, leaving witnesses in shock and loved ones struggling to comprehend what had just happened.

In the midst of the confusion that followed, it took time for authorities to sort through the chaos, identify the children involved, and officially confirm the facts.

Initially, they identified one of the girls killed as Laila, but in fact, it was Jordan, the fierce protector of her younger cousins, a bright light within her family, and a child with her whole future ahead, who lost her life that day.

Laila was also critically injured and transferred to the hospital where she had undergone several surgeries, while Brylee only suffered minor injuries.

According to the family, Laila survived the accident because Jordan made a split-second decision to place herself in the harm’s way in order to protect her cousins.

“Jordan sacrificed her life, and she saved her cousin’s life with her life,” Jordan’s grieving aunt said. “That’s who she was. She always made sure others were safe first. She was the protector of our family.”

Gofundme

At the time the tragedy struck, Kristine Robinson, the mom of Laila and Brylee, was home in Tampa where she cared for her newborn in a NICU. When she received the call that her daughter was critically injured and her niece died, her world shattered.

She is now trying to raise awareness about water safety. “I just ask everyone, hold your babies tight,” she said during a tearful interview. “We all want to have fun with our kids, but please—please be careful. Accidents happen in a blink.”

The tragedy that claimed Jordan’s life is still under investigation, with the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission asking witnesses to come forward with any information and provide footage in case someone filmed it, in order to understand what actually happened and what preceded the incident.

Jordan’s family shared that she had always dreamed of becoming a veterinarian. She was kind, had big dreams, and even bigger heart full of love to match.

Gofundme

But Jordan’s selflessness didn’t stop with her passing.

Even after her death, she helped others and saved even more lives through organ donation. In fact, donating her organs was something this incredibly loving girl had always wanted. “She gave the gift of life even after her passing,” Robinson shared. “That was our Jordan. Always thinking of others, always giving.”

Friends of the family launched two GoFundMe fundraisers to help the family with Jordan’s funeral costs and Laila’s ongoing medical expenses.

The public’s response to Jordan’s story has been overwhelming, with messages of support and donations pouring in from across the country.

Even longtime Star Lake residents are shaken, among which Steven Gabbard who has lived on Star Lake for decades. “Oh my gosh. It’s unbelievable. Star Lake is usually so peaceful. You don’t expect this kind of tragedy here,” he said.

Jordan’s legacy lives on, through her cousin’s healing and through the lives she saved with her organs her family selflessly donated.

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My husband died on our wedding day – little did I know he’d fooled everyone

By
Monica Pop
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At 28, I felt like I had the world at my feet. I had a great career, wonderful friends, and a close-knit family. The best thing of all, I was weeks away from saying “I do” to the Damian, the man I adored.

From the moment I met him, he made my life complete, and despite the fact that his family was not fond of me, we decided to marry.

He went through a lot when he told his parents he was dating me. For reasons unknown, they didn’t see me as a good fit for their son and tried to ruin our relationship.

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On the day of our wedding, Damian collapsed at the church, and he never woke up. What was supposed to be the best day of my life turned into a nightmare and a heartbreak I though I could never recover from.

On the day of Damian’s funeral, his family accused me of taking their son from them.

They blamed me for his passing, and it was more than I could bear.

Some days later, I tried to escape my pain, called a taxi, and decided to wander around the city until I could figure out what to do next.

But the moment I entered the taxi, I heard a familiar voice. “Fasten your seatbelt.” It was Damian. He was right there in front of me, very much alive.

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At that moment, I thought I was going mad. “But… you died,” I said, shocked and barely able to speak.

He pulled the car and explained everything. His family, who was very rich and powerful, got involved in some shady business and wanted to drag him with them. That was one of the reasons they disliked me, because with me by his side, they couldn’t manipulate Damian into doing the “dirty” businesses they got themselves into.

So, in order to protect us, he did the unimaginable. He fakes his own death.

It turned out that on the wedding day, he took a special drug that slowed his heart, allowing him to stage the collapse, the hospital visit, and even the funeral. The coffin was empty—I had mourned a man who hadn’t actually died.

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I was mad, angry, crying. Although I knew that he did what he did for the sake of our happiness, I couldn’t get over the fact that I endured pain thinking he was dead.

He begged me to forgive him, asking me to start over somewhere away from the city where we lived.

I wasn’t sure if I could forgive him. I needed time to process everything.

After a couple of months, I called him. I was still mad, but I couldn’t picture my life without him.

Today, we live quietly by the sea, away from anyone who knows our past.

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The gap between a woman’s legs can reveal that she is…

By
Monica Pop
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The rise of the social media redefined beauty norms and what it means to be attractive has become more filtered and less attainable.

The bunch of beauty trends that social media users, especially influencers, try to impose on society has surely affected millions of people, making them more self-conscious and less self-confident.

Back in 2012, the thigh gap trend exploded on social media, and while many thought it would be just a passing obsession, it proved to be here to stay.

I guess now that you’re reading this, you probably recall the times you Googled the term, wanting to know how to achieve this ‘perfect’ look. If you have, you’re not alone. In fact, the trend has spread so much that a single search will bombard you with over 40 million results and countless YouTube videos and tutorials.

So, what’s a thigh gap? It refers to the space between your thighs when standing upright with your feet together.

This is something not everyone has, and if you believe those who do achieved it by following strict diets and never left the gym, you are wrong.

Truth is that thigh gap has to do with your bone structure, hip width, and how your thighs are shaped. That said, this look isn’t really something you can achieve if your body type and bone structure don’t allow that.

The biggest issue with this trend is that it has pushed unrealistic beauty standards, pushing women toward unhealthy eating habits, negative body image, and even body dysmorphia.

While many sites and influencers try to present this is an aesthetic standard, claiming those who have that thigh gap are not only attractive but also fit and healthy, that is entirely not true.

Some women are born with a natural thigh gap, and some aren’t, and that’s perfectly normal.

Thigh gap is largely determined by genetics. Eating right and exercising won’t guarantee one, and fixating on it can affect your mental and physical health. What’s more, many believe that all skinny women have thigh gap, which again, is not the case.

When you scroll on your phone and stumble upon photos of women who promote this trend, have in mind that what they post on social media is not always a true reflection of reality. Most of these photos are altered in some way. Whether it’s the angle, the lighting, the pose, or editing—and don’t always show how someone looks in real life.

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What is important to note is that no matter the trends, you should always embrace your own beauty instead of pursuing unrealistic standards that can take a toll on your mental health or your physical appearance.

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