In the days that followed, family members identified the man as Alex Jeffrey Pretti, a 37-year-old registered nurse and U.S. citizen.
Pretti worked in the intensive care unit at the Minneapolis Veterans Affairs hospital, where coworkers described him as compassionate, dedicated, and deeply committed to patient care. Originally from Illinois, he studied nursing at the University of Minnesota and earned his license in 2021. Colleagues remembered him as a steady and encouraging presence in high-pressure situations, often offering support not only to patients but also to fellow staff members.
Outside the hospital, he enjoyed outdoor activities and was known for his appreciation of nature and community well-being.
Relatives and friends shared that Pretti was socially engaged and thoughtful about issues affecting others. They described him as someone who valued fairness, empathy, and open discussion. His parents recalled a son who was passionate about helping people and believed in contributing positively to the world around him.
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