RAMSEY, Minn. — A letter that went out to families of students at Twin Lakes Elementary School Tuesday reveals more information about a grisly scene uncovered Monday in a north metro city park.
The letter obtained by KARE 11 said the school "received sad news," learning about the deaths of a third grader, preschooler and their mother.
"Our hearts are with the family and all of those impacted during this difficult time," it read.
The Anoka County Sheriff said emergency crews responded to a welfare check Monday morning at Ramsey's Rum River Park, where they found a woman and girl dead, and an injured boy, inside an SUV. Officials said despite lifesaving efforts, the boy later died at the hospital.
A spokesperson for the Anoka County Sheriff's Office said due to the sensitivity of the case, they will not be releasing identity and ages.
"It's obviously very tragic, very sensitive, very traumatic for the community." said Tierney Peters, the county's community relations coordinator.
The school's letter went on to say it will have mental health staff on hand to support students and staff.
According to the sheriff's office, the case appears to be an isolated incident and investigators don't believe there's any lingering threat to the public.
On Wednesday, the day after the community held a small memorial and vigil in the park, a self-described family member told KARE 11 there's now a fundraising effort to support the remaining members of the family, and help cover funeral expenses for the members lost. The family member told KARE that by alleviating some of the family's financial burden, he hopes "they can focus on healing."
"This family’s world has been turned upside down with the tragic loss..." the *spotfund posting said.
At Tuesday's memorial, mourners arrived to the area near the park's boat launch, bringing with them stuffed animals and flowers to pay tribute to the victims.
"I thought of them all night long, and so my heart is just with that family and friends and everyone who knows the family," Christie Alfano said. "To hear something so tragic, it just ripped my heart out."
"We're thinking of the family that lost kids, and wife, mother, sister, friend, I don't know them," Teresa Mitchell said. "But I want to teach my granddaughter about paying respect and the community coming together."
If you're interested in contributing to the family's fundraiser, click here.
This is a developing story and will be updated as more information is released.
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