A 19-year-old college freshman from Overland Park who fell from a second-story window at a Kansas State University fraternity house last Saturday died in hospital on Tuesday.
Jack Fleischaker, a first-year student at Kansas State and a member of the Sigma Chi fraternity's campus chapter, sustained severe injuries early on Saturday, April 25, when he fell from the window of a fraternity house near the university's Manhattan campus, according to Riley County police, who spoke to WIBW in Topeka.
A spokesperson for Riley County police did not respond to a request for comment from NTD News prior to publication.
For the Fleischakers, the loss marks the second time the family has buried a child. According to the fundraiser, the family lost their daughter, Natalie, 13 years ago.
Demo described Fleischaker as a son, a brother, and a member of the K-State community—the child of Steve and Ashley Fleischaker and brother to Emily. In his letter, the pastor asked parishioners to hold the family in prayer and to resist the urge to flood them with calls and messages, saying the family was already surrounded by loved ones and that clergy had been present throughout the ordeal.
"Right now, they are requesting space and privacy," Demo wrote to his congregation. "The best thing all of us can do right now is to pray for Jack, Steve, Ashley, Emily, and the rest of their family; pray for Jack's community at K-State and his friends; and pray for the medical teams working around the clock."
The Sigma Chi International Fraternity issued a statement shared with numerous news outlets.
"This was a heartbreaking accident, and there is no indication that anyone is at fault," fraternity spokesperson Michael Church wrote in an emailed statement. "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."
Kansas State University confirmed it was aware of the situation and said it had been in contact with those affected. Michelle Geering, a university spokesperson, said in a statement that the school had reached out to Fleischaker's family and to fraternity members directly.
"The university has offered support to the family and has also offered assistance and student support resources to the fraternity members," Geering wrote in a statement to multiple news outlets. "We are reviewing available information to determine the next steps in accordance with our policies and procedures."
Beyond the emotional toll, the family is also facing financial strain. Steve and Ashley Fleischaker are dealing with unexpected medical bills and funeral costs on top of their grief. The campaign, which has a goal of $50,000, had raised $2,500 as of the time of publication. Organizers are asking community members who cannot donate financially to share the campaign and keep the family in their thoughts.
The fundraiser described Jack as someone deeply loved who "will be remembered for the joy he brought to everyone around him," adding that "his absence leaves a space that can never be filled."
Representatives for Kansas State University and the Sigma Chi International Fraternity did not respond to requests for comment from NTD News when contacted after regular business hours on Saturday.