Alex Pretti, the 37-year-old man killed by federal immigration agents in Minneapolis, worked as an Intensive Care Unit nurse treating veterans –– a job his family and friends told CNN reflected his deep desire to help others.
We’ve also spoken to his former patients, who said they remembered his poignant impact and warmth.
Sara Misner crossed paths briefly with Pretti while he cared for her father, who was suffering from sepsis. She described Pretti as a “wonderful, warm, welcoming presence.”
Alex Pretti cared for her father in the hospital. She wants the world to know he’s a ‘wonderful person’
Alex Pretti cared for her father in the hospital. She wants the world to know he’s a ‘wonderful person’
01:58
Former patient Marta Crownhart remembered Pretti as a “kind-hearted” person who treated each patient like they were his only responsibility.
“He was never preoccupied,” the Navy veteran told CNN. “He was always there for you.”
Patient of Alex Pretti describes moment she found out he was shot and killed
Patient of Alex Pretti describes moment she found out he was shot and killed
06:05
Pretti’s co-worker Dr. Dimitri Drekonja, Chief of Infectious Diseases Section at the Minneapolis VA, said Pretti supported critically ill veterans at the hospital and researched colon cancer.
He told CNN that Pretti “was a great guy” and “such a good nurse.”
Former colleague and friend remembers Alex Pretti
Former colleague and friend remembers Alex Pretti
03:48
As a memorial adorned with candles and flowers grows outside Preble High School in Green Bay, Wisconsin, where Pretti graduated, one of his childhood friends told CNN affiliate WDJT that it wasn’t surprising the nurse worked in a profession devoted to serving others.
“He was someone who was always eager to help, he was a very kind kid, he had a personality and spirit that was just very infectious, and people wanted to be around him,” Travis Vanden Heuvel, who said they met in the Green Bay choir, told WDJT.
At a Green Bay school board meeting on Monday, district leaders held a moment of silence and shared memories of Pretti.
“I can vividly see him in my mind…encouraging the young men around him with his quiet leadership skills,” Susan McAllister, Pretti’s former teacher, told CNN affiliate WLUK.
“One of the things that he always did was brighten everyone’s day with a joke or a witty comment,” former play director Carol Miller told WLUK. “And I can see him doing that with the veterans as well, just to see a smile put back on their faces.”
