Message from Dean regarding Death of Nurse Alex Pretti
January 26, 2026. USF SONHP and the nursing community grieve the loss of Alex Pretti, a registered nurse devoted to advocacy, healing and compassion until the end of his life.
Alex Pretti died on Sunday, January 24, 2026, in Minneapolis, Minnesota, where he worked as an intensive care nurse at the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs hospital.
Dean Eileen Fry-Bowers and the SONHP leadership team issued this statement in response to the tragic shooting of Alex Pretti in Minneapolis on January 24. This statement serves as both a memorial for Alex and a call to action. We aim to honor the legacy of Alex Pretti, RN, as we advocate for policies that promote the collective health and well-being of communities.
Alex Pretti was a nurse to the very end. He embodied our Jesuit value of 'Cura Personalis,' offering individualized care and acting as a Person for Others. As a Contemplative in Action, he recognized the sacredness of all life.
Today, we join The American Academy of Nursing, The American Nurses Association, The National League for Nursing, and other nursing organizations in recognizing: 'Nurses are our country's most trusted health care providers, often running into danger to help those in need. They advocate for community safety and well-being.' (NLN, 2026). At USF SONHP, we will uphold 'Cura Personalis' as we advocate to prevent violence against nurses and act to uphold the dignity, health and safety of those individuals and communities they serve.
Alex Pretti exemplified how “nursing integrates the art and science of caring, focusing on protecting, promoting, and optimizing health; preventing illness and injury; facilitating healing; and alleviating suffering through compassionate presence. Nursing means diagnosing and treating human responses and advocating for individuals, families, groups, communities, and populations, recognizing the connection of all humanity.” ANA (2021), Nursing: Scope and Standards of Practice, Fourth Edition, p. 1.
We mourn with Alex’s family, friends, and the nursing community. In his honor, we pledge to support initiatives that protect healthcare providers and ensure their safety as they care for others, as well as those who promote psychological, social, and economic stability and well-being of communities and justice for all. In solidarity with the American Nurses Association (ANA), we ask nurses, future nurses, and friends of nurses to consider signing ANA’s petition, which addresses individual members of Congress and seeks immediate and transparent investigation and action regarding the events leading to nurse Alex Pretti’s death. By fostering compassion and security, we can create lasting change and honor nurses like Alex Pretti.
Students, if you need support, please call USF Counseling & Psychological Services (CAPS). CAPS can help with sadness, anxiety, or other concerns not requiring medical intervention.
CAPS All Hours
(855) 531-0761
https://myusf.usfca.edu/human-resources/wellness-benefits/employee-assistance-program
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