The heart of a hospital is its people—the staff who show up to heal and to protect. For Andrea Merrell, a security guard at M Health Fairview Lakes Medical Center, that duty to protect ended in tragedy. This week, the Wyoming Police Department confirmed what her colleagues and community had feared since Christmas Day: Merrell, 43, has died from injuries she suffered in an assault while on duty.
Merrell, a resident of nearby North Branch, was critically injured during the incident at the hospital on December 25, 2025. Despite being rushed for emergency care, she could not recover from her wounds. Her death turns a violent event into a profound loss, leaving a hole in the fabric of the hospital and the wider Minnesota community she served.
Police have had a suspect in custody since the day of the attack. He is identified as 35-year-old Jonathan Winch of Chisago City. Winch remains held at the Chisago County Jail while prosecutors review the case. Formal charges are pending, authorities say, as the investigation continues. So far, officials have not released any specifics about what led to the confrontation that took Merrell’s life.
In a statement, the Wyoming Police Department offered its “heartfelt condolences” to Merrell’s family, friends, and her entire hospital work family. They called the loss “deeply tragic.” For the staff at Fairview Lakes, the news is a devastating blow. They are left to grapple with the loss of a teammate who was there to ensure their safety, especially on a day meant for peace and gathering.
Those who knew Andrea Merrell describe her as far more than a uniform. She was a dedicated and compassionate professional who took immense pride in her role. Friends and coworkers say she approached her job with a unique blend of courage and genuine care, committed to safeguarding every patient, visitor, and staff member she encountered. Her absence isn't just the loss of a security presence; it's the loss of a friend.
Her death has sent shockwaves beyond the hospital walls, igniting difficult but necessary conversations. Healthcare workers and security personnel across the region are reminded of the inherent risks they face, often in environments where emotions run high and situations can turn unpredictable in an instant. Merrell’s story underscores the vulnerability of those who stand guard on medicine’s front lines.
In the wake of this pain, the community has begun to gather, both in person and in spirit. Tributes pour in, honoring a woman who dedicated her career to the safety of others. As vigils are held and support flows to her family, Andrea Merrell is remembered not for how she died, but for how she lived—as a protector. The investigation into her death moves forward, but for those who knew her, the focus remains on mourning a life cut short and honoring a legacy of service.
