Community Corner
Memorial Service Planned For Jacob Winkler Monday
Winkler died after falling from a balcony while on vacation in Florida for Spring Break. He was 21 years old.
Spring Break vacation turned to tragedy for the family Jacob Winkler, a 21-year-old college student from Menomonee Falls who fell from a balcony while vacationing in Panama City Beach, Florida.
Winkler died after accidentally falling from a seventh-floor balcony at the Gulf Crest Condominium. The incident occurred around 2 a.m. Saturday, and Winkler was pronounced dead on the scene, according to WTMJ. No foul play is expected.
Friends and family have posted their condolences and memories on his Facebook page, and a vigil is planned to remember Winkler at 7 p.m. Monday at Pius XI High School in Milwaukee.
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“It’s just so hard to believe this has happened,” Jacob’s father, Jim Winkler told FOX6 News Saturday afternoon. “He was a wonderful, wonderful person. If you met him, I’m sure you would have liked him a lot.”
Winkler was originally from Menomonee Falls and attended University of Wisonsin-Whitewater before transferring to UW-Milwaukee. He celebrated his 21st birthday on March 1, according to FOX6.
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According to WJHG.com in Florida, Winkler’s death was the second fatal balcony fall this year in Panama City Beach. In January, a 21-year-old Callaway, Florida man died after falling from a balcony on the 10th floor of another condominium.
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