Memorial Service Planned For Jacob Winkler Monday

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.

“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.

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.