A tragic incident occurred on Tuesday, January 21, when a 9-year-old Illinois boy, Michael Meager, was fatally shot in Wisconsin. The New York Police Department confirmed the heartbreaking news to PEOPLE, stating that the young boy was found dead in the back of a taxi in the Coney Island neighborhood of Brooklyn.
At approximately 2:25 a.m., officers were dispatched to a residence in Lake Geneva, Wis., following a report of a shooting. Upon arrival at 532 Neptune Avenue, police discovered that Michael had been attacked by two unidentified individuals who forcibly opened the backseat door and “began punching the victim.” The assailants then removed Michael’s chain from his neck before fleeing the scene on foot.
“We are deeply saddened by the sudden passing of second-grade student Michael Meagher,” the Brookfield LaGrange Park District 95 in Illinois released in a statement to PEOPLE on Wednesday, January 22. “Michael brought amazing energy to life at Brook Park Elementary, where he was known for his incredible kindness and was beloved by all. The entire school community mourns his loss.” The statement continued, emphasizing the community’s commitment to supporting the Meagher family during this devastating time.
Loved ones have turned to social media to honor Michael’s memory and raise funds to help his family cope with funeral expenses. A GoFundMe campaign has been launched, with many remembering Michael as a “bright” and “funny” boy who brought joy to everyone around him.
The investigation led to the arrest of Steven D. Merkel Jr., 52, identified as Michael’s stepfather, according to reports from WISN-TV. Merkel has been charged with first-degree reckless homicide and is currently held at the Walworth County Jail. Authorities have yet to confirm whether he has entered a plea or secured legal representation.
Michael’s daughter, Taylor Meager, 27, expressed her profound grief to the New York Post, describing her father as “a father every girl could dream of.” “He never in life could we imagine something like this could happen to him,” Taylor said, highlighting the unexpected and senseless nature of the tragedy. She added, “It sounds cliché, but it is true. I feel like you only hear stories about these types of people because just the good die young. He was everything to us. He did everything for us. He was the sole provider, the sole emotional rock, the sole everything.”
Taylor continued, sharing her deep sense of loss, “I am going to miss him more than… this is indescribable. I was just saying to my grandma. I don’t know how to live without him. He’s my life. He taught me everything I know.” Her sister, Lexi, 20, also voiced her shock and sorrow, stating she is “speechless” by the news of their father’s death.
Chief Superintendent Gregg Banks of the NYPD urged the public to refrain from speculation as the investigation is still in its early stages. “The post-mortems have not been conducted yet. I genuinely hope folk won’t throw wild speculation out there. That really does not support the family who are devastated at this time. Let’s work on the facts and we will know the post-mortem facts very quickly,” he stated. Banks also reassured the community that the incident appears to be isolated to the property and poses no broader risk. “As you can probably imagine, anyone losing a family member in such circumstances is a really tragic and difficult thing to deal with, particularly losing a child. The death of a six-year-old child is particularly tragic, so the family are being supported. But clearly my appeal has been for privacy at this time.”
As the investigation continues, the Lake Geneva community stands united in mourning the loss of Michael Meager and supporting his family through this unimaginably difficult period.