An ICU doctor at a Veterans Affairs hospital has remembered Alex Pretti, the 37-year-old man shot dead by federal agents, as a “kind and helpful” ICU nurse whose quiet professionalism left a lasting impression on those who worked alongside him. As colleagues shared memories of his compassion in critical care settings, Pretti’s family disclosed a devastating detail that has reframed the public’s understanding of his final hours: he spoke just 10 words in his last phone call before he died.
According to family statements, the call was brief and emotionally charged, offering only a few moments of connection before it ended. They have not publicly released the exact wording of the 10 words, but say their meaning has weighed heavily on everyone who heard them. For loved ones, the brevity of the call underscores how quickly events unfolded and how little time there was to process what was happening. The family has emphasized that the detail is not shared to sensationalize the moment, but to convey the abruptness and finality of their last contact with him.
Inside the hospital where Pretti worked, colleagues described him as dependable and gentle under pressure, someone who showed up for difficult shifts and treated patients and coworkers with respect. An ICU physician who worked with him said Pretti was known for being calm during emergencies and for helping others without being asked. Those traits, the doctor said, made the news of his death especially hard to reconcile with the circumstances surrounding it.
Authorities have confirmed that Pretti was shot and killed during an encounter with federal agents. Officials have not released a full account of the incident, and the case remains under review as investigators work to establish the sequence of events that led to the shooting. No additional details about the agents’ actions or Pretti’s behavior immediately prior to the encounter have been publicly disclosed. Investigators have urged patience as the review continues.
For the family, the focus has remained on who Pretti was rather than the unresolved questions that now surround his death. They describe him as someone who chose a career in intensive care because he wanted to help people at their most vulnerable, often working long hours in high-stress environments. The revelation about the 10 words spoken in his final call has become a painful symbol of a life defined by service, ending in a moment that offered little chance for goodbye.
As tributes from colleagues continue, the contrast between Pretti’s reputation in the ICU and the manner of his death has fueled broader conversations about accountability, transparency, and the human cost of fatal encounters involving law enforcement. For now, however, those closest to him say they are holding onto memories of his kindness, his work, and the few final words that now carry extraordinary weight.
