GRAND MEADOW / MOWER COUNTY, MN — The Mower County Sheriff’s Office and the Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension (BCA) are investigating a tragic murder-suicide and house fire that claimed the lives of three young brothers—14-year-old twins Oliver James Christenson and Felix Richard Christenson, and their 7-year-old brother Calvin Jones Christenson—on Sunday morning, November 8, 2026.
Investigators confirmed that the boys’ father, 38-year-old Levi David Christenson, shot and killed his three sons before dying of a self-inflicted gunshot wound inside their family home in Grand Meadow, Minnesota.
The children were identified as:
- Oliver James Christenson, 14
- Felix Richard Christenson, 14
- Calvin Jones Christenson, 7
According to Mower County Sheriff Steve Sandvik, all three boys died from gunshot wounds. Their father died from a self-inflicted gunshot wound.
Emergency crews were dispatched to a residence in the 100 block of First Street Northeast shortly before 11:30 a.m. on Sunday, November 8, following reports of a structure fire. Callers described heavy smoke coming from the front and sides of the home and raised concerns that two children might still be inside. The Spring Valley Fire Department responded to assist.
When emergency personnel and authorities entered the residence, they discovered four deceased individuals. What initially appeared to be a deadly house fire was subsequently investigated as the fatal shootings of the three children and their father.
The Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension is assisting the Mower County Sheriff’s Office with the investigation. Authorities have not publicly established what led to the killings, and no motive has been released.
Three Brothers Remembered
Oliver and Felix were 14-year-old twin brothers and freshmen in high school. Both played football for Grand Meadow, where they were known as teammates as well as brothers and close companions. Their deaths have left classmates, teammates, friends, teachers, and the wider school community grieving.
Their younger brother, Calvin, was just seven years old. His life, like those of his older brothers, was cut short far too soon.
Their mother, Lauren Jean Hosp, is now facing the unimaginable loss of all three children. Levi Christenson was their father and Hosp’s former husband.
A prayer vigil was scheduled for Wednesday, November 11, at 7 p.m. at St. Finbarr Catholic Church in Grand Meadow. The gathering was intended to honor the boys’ memories and offer support to those affected by the tragedy.
A GoFundMe fundraiser has also reportedly been organized to help Lauren Hosp navigate the emotional and practical challenges following the loss of her children.
The deaths of Oliver, Felix, and Calvin have left a profound void in their family and community. Their young lives held possibilities, dreams, and futures that will never have the chance to unfold.
Thoughts and condolences are with Lauren Hosp, her family, the boys’ friends, teammates, classmates, teachers, and everyone in Grand Meadow grieving this heartbreaking loss. May the brothers be remembered with love, and may their loved ones find strength and comfort during this extraordinarily difficult time.
