A Kansas family suffered another unimaginable loss after their second child died at a college fraternity house 13 years after his sister passed away from a brain tumor.
Jack Fleischaker, 19, of Overland Park, plunged from the second-floor window at the Sigma Chi House on April 25 around 3.15am, the Riley County Police Department said.
He was taken to the hospital in serious condition. Three days later, he was pronounced dead.
The tragedy took place 10 days before the 13th anniversary of the death of his older sister Natalie Fleischaker, who died in 2013 from a brain tumor when she was just eight years old.
Natalie had battled a diffuse intrinsic pontine glioma (DIPG) tumor, a highly aggressive and fast-growing tumor, for nine months before her passing. She was in second grade at the time of her death.
Now, the family will be burying their only son, who leaves behind his twin sister, Emily.
On Wednesday, hundreds of family and friends gathered at a Topeka hospital for an emotional donor walk, where Jack's body was taken through the hallways, followed by his grieving parents, KAKE News reported. It took place a day after he was declared dead. His organs will be donated.
Police do not suspect that foul play was involved in the tragedy at the frat house, which previously had to shut down in 2022 by the national organization for hazing.
Jack Fleischaker, 19, of Overland Park, fell out of a second-floor window at the Sigma Chi House on April 25. He died three days later
He died just 10 days short of the 13th anniversary of his older sister Natalie's death. Natalie and Jack are pictured in an undated photo with Jack's twin sister Emily
Hundreds showed up for a donor walk at the hospital after his death. Jack's grieving parents followed his body through the wards before his organs were donated
'RCPD extends its deepest condolences to the family, friends, and the K-State community during this very tragic time,' police told People magazine.
His fraternity reiterated that there was 'no indication that anyone is at fault' for the freshman's death, The Kansas City Star reported.
'Our thoughts and prayers are with Jack’s family and loved ones during this difficult time.
'We are actively supporting the chapter with mental health and wellness resources and are grateful for the assistance provided by Kansas State University’s administration as well.'
The Daily Mail has reached out to police, the family, and Sigma Chi for comment.
The finance student was a graduate of Blue Valley Northwest High School, and his hometown friends and family remember him as a compassionate and joyful person, KMBC reported.
'He was such a pleasant person,' Gar Demo, the family's pastor, told the outlet.
The pastor said the teen used to send videos of himself dancing to cheer up friends when they were down, his church community told him.
Jack and his father, Stephen, at the Sigma Chi house in November
Jack was a member of the fraternity, which said it does not appear there was any foul play involved
The pastor said the community is wondering how such an immense tragedy could strike the same family twice.
'They are a very strong family with a deep faith that has sustained them, along with their community, family, and friends,' he said. 'All of us who know them are asking: Why did this happen? How could this happen to this family?'
Throughout the years, the family has kept Natalie's memory alive, posting photos of her and writing sweet messages to her.
In 2015, her father, Steven Fleishchaker, sorrowfully celebrated Thanksgiving for the third time without his eldest daughter.
'Hard to believe this is our 3rd Thanksgiving without our junior chef. Thank goodness she taught her siblings a thing or two!' he wrote on Facebook.
'Happy Thanksgiving, Nat, I'm sure you and your friends are enjoying a wonderful feast!'
The year 2024 marked 20 years since Natalie was born. Her parents marked the occasion by posting a photo of her on what would have been her birthday.
'It’s also the 12th year that we can’t post a current birthday photo of her. Happy heavenly birthday to our sweet Natalie, always with us!'
Many community members wondered how such tragedy could strike the same family twice
Natalie died on May 8, 2013, from an aggressive brain tumor
Jack and Emily were six years old when Natalie died.
The family remembered the little girl for her love of soccer, softball, and being a Girl Scout.
Jack leaves behind his parents, Stephen and Ashley, and his twin sister Emily.