Andrea Merrell Dies After Christmas Day Assault at Wyoming, Minnesota Hospital on December 25, 2025

Andrea Merrell, a 43-year-old hospital security guard from North Branch, Minnesota, died from injuries sustained during an assault inside the emergency department of M Health Fairview Lakes Medical Center in Wyoming. The attack occurred shortly before 5:30 p.m. on Christmas Day, December 25, 2025, during an incident involving a patient who had fled the emergency department after being placed on a hold. Merrell was a member of the hospital’s security team and was performing her duties at the time of the assault.

Wyoming police identified the suspect as a 35-year-old man from Chisago City, who was taken into custody following a prolonged physical struggle with responding officers in the hospital parking lot. He was initially transported for medical evaluation and is now held in the Chisago County Jail pending formal charges. The Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension is assisting local authorities as the investigation into Andrea Merrell’s death continues, marking a fatal act of violence within a medical setting.