Minnetonka HS mourns loss of student fatally shot by sheriff's deputies

MINNETONKA, Minn. (KMSP) - The Minnetonka High School community is mourning the loss of a 16-year-old student who was shot and killed by Carver County sheriff's deputies in Chanhassen, Minnesota Friday. 

Minnetonka football coach Dave Nelson said he was shocked and saddened by what happened to Archer Amorsi, a quarterback on the team who was just heading into his junior year. 

“It’s a shock, kind of a surreal moment where you can’t believe it [has] happened,” Nelson said. 

Nelson recalled the last conversation he had with Amorosi. 

“I just looked at my phone this morning, he had texted me about getting his helmet next week,” Nelson said. 

According to the Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension, Carver County sheriff’s deputies were called to Amorosi’s home around 10 a.m. after his mother reported her son was suicidal and was threatening her with knives and a baseball bat. 

Deputies initially deployed a taser, but the encounter ended in gunfire, leaving Amorosi dead. The Hennepin County Medical Examiner confirms Amorosi died of multiple gunshot wounds. 

Nelson said he talked to some players Saturday morning about the tragedy. 

Amorosi’s friend, Carvon Gurley, said the two of them connected through football. 

“It’s really hard to believe that something like that could happen and I just, still right now, I just don’t believe it,” Gurley said. “I feel like it’s not there. I was just talking to him the other day about coming back to football, having those good memories again and then something like this happens, it’s pretty disappointing.”

Back at the home, the police crime tape is down and the authorities who swarmed the neighborhood the day before are gone. The investigation into the shooting, however, is just beginning. 

In a letter to students and parents on Saturday, the principal of Minnetonka High School principal, Jeff Erickson, described the situation as “heartbreaking.” 

“Archer was talented--in and out of the classroom--and greatly enjoyed representing MHS in athletic competition,” Erickson said. “Archer excelled in lacrosse and football--most notably this spring as lacrosse was in the run for the State championship. He had a strong group of friends and highly valued those relationships.  He will be deeply missed.”

Counselors and other staff will be at the school on Monday for anyone in need of support.