3 sisters killed in River Falls mourned

RIVER FALLS, Wis. (AP) -- Family members from around the country and friends gathered at a golf club in River Falls to celebrate the lives of three young sisters.

Eleven-year-old Amara, 8-year-old Sophie and 5-year-old Cecilia Schaffhausen were killed at their home in River Falls last week. Their father has been charged in their deaths.

Their great uncle, Flint Watt, says family and friends laughed and cried as they shared stories about the girls and their antics. Amara liked soccer and gymnastics and was a budding scientist. Sophie excelled in art and the martial arts while Cecilia loved painting and searching for bugs.

Watt tells KSTP-TV the family has not yet received the girls' remains and when they do, a private funeral service will be held.

Create a More Connected Minnesota

MPR News is your trusted resource for the news you need. With your support, MPR News brings accessible, courageous journalism and authentic conversation to everyone - free of paywalls and barriers. Your gift makes a difference.