A Kansas family has endured another devastating loss after their second child died in a tragic accident at a college fraternity house, 13 years after his sister succumbed to a brain tumor.
The Incident
Jack Fleischaker, 19, of Overland Park, fell from a second-floor window at the Sigma Chi House on April 25 at approximately 3:15 a.m., according to the Riley County Police Department. He was transported to a hospital in serious condition and was pronounced dead three days later.
A Family's Repeated Grief
The tragedy occurred just 10 days before the 13th anniversary of the death of his older sister, Natalie Fleischaker, who passed away in 2013 at age eight from a diffuse intrinsic pontine glioma (DIPG) tumor, a highly aggressive and fast-growing brain tumor. Natalie had battled the disease for nine months before her death while in second grade.
Now, the family is preparing to bury their only son, who leaves behind his twin sister, Emily.
Community Support and Organ Donation
On Wednesday, hundreds of family and friends gathered at a Topeka hospital for an emotional donor walk, where Jack's body was escorted through the hallways, followed by his grieving parents, as reported by KAKE News. The event took place a day after he was declared dead. His organs will be donated.
Police have stated that foul play is not suspected in the incident at the fraternity house, which had previously been shut down in 2022 by the national organization due to hazing violations.
Condolences and Remembrances
"RCPD extends its deepest condolences to the family, friends, and the K-State community during this very tragic time," police told People magazine. The fraternity also emphasized that there was "no indication that anyone is at fault" for the freshman's death, as reported by The Kansas City Star.
"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 fraternity said.
The Daily Mail has reached out to police, the family, and Sigma Chi for comment.
A Joyful Young Man Remembered
Jack, a finance student and graduate of Blue Valley Northwest High School, is remembered by friends and family as a compassionate and joyful person. "He was such a pleasant person," Gar Demo, the family's pastor, told KMBC. The pastor shared that Jack used to send videos of himself dancing to cheer up friends when they were feeling down.
The community is grappling with how such 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," Demo said. "All of us who know them are asking: Why did this happen? How could this happen to this family?"
Keeping Natalie's Memory Alive
Over the years, the family has honored Natalie's memory by posting photos and heartfelt messages. In 2015, her father, Steven Fleischaker, marked the third Thanksgiving 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!"
In 2024, on what would have been her 20th birthday, her parents posted a photo, writing, "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!"
Jack and Emily were six years old when Natalie died. The family remembers Natalie for her love of soccer, softball, and being a Girl Scout. Jack is survived by his parents, Stephen and Ashley, and his twin sister Emily.
