Kansas
Kansas State freshman Jack Fleischaker, 19, dies after falling from fraternity house window
A Kansas State University freshman died after he fell from a fraternity house window — just weeks away from the end of the semester.
Jack Fleischaker, 19, plunged from a second-floor window at the Sigma Chi house on the Manhattan, Kan., campus around 3:15 a.m. on April 25.
He was rushed to the hospital for emergency treatment, but died three days later, according to the Riley County Police Department.
Police are investigating exactly how the fatal fall unfolded, but said foul play is not suspected.
“RCPD extends its deepest condolences to the family, friends and the K-State community during this very tragic time,” the department said in a statement to People.
The fraternity said Fleischaker’s death appears to be accidental.
“This was a heartbreaking accident, and there is no indication that anyone is at fault,” Sigma Chi International Fraternity spokesperson Michael Church said.
“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.”
Fleischaker, from Overland Park, Kan., was studying accounting and finance and was a member of the Sigma Chi fraternity, according to his LinkedIn and Instagram profiles.
As police continue to investigate, Kansas State University said it is reviewing the circumstances surrounding the incident.
“The university has offered support to the family and has also offered assistance and student support resources to the fraternity members,” spokesperson Michelle Geering said in a statement to the Kansas City Star.
“We are reviewing available information to determine the next steps in accordance with our policies and procedures.”
The horrifying incident comes four years after Sigma Chi’s University of Kansas chapter was shut down by its national organization in 2022 over hazing violations and lying about it.
There have been no recent hazing reports involving the Kansas State chapter, according to the Kansas City Star.
Friends and family are reeling from the sudden loss.
“This is a tragic accident that nobody anticipated,” family pastor and friend Gar Demo told KMBC.
“Every trajectory in their life has changed in an instant,” he added.
Demo said the family has faced devastating loss before. Fleischaker’s sister Natalie died 13 years ago from a brain tumor.
“[The family] went through the incredible pain of losing a child then, and I think they’re asking the question,” Demo said.
“All of us who know them are asking, why did this happen? How could this happen to this family?”
“I think to walk with them again in a different kind of situation but still to lose another child is just not something I have a playbook for,” he said.
“But we walk with our faith and we walk there and we show our strength with them and surround them with the love that we can share.”
In the days after the fall, hundreds gathered at the hospital to say their goodbyes, according to KAKE News.
Fleischaker was an organ donor and is expected to help save lives.
TOPEKA, Kan. (WIBW) – A rainy Independence Day morning is impacting holiday events around the area.
Following an initial delay, Shawnee Co. Parks + Recreation announced the Spirit of Kansas Car Show and Blue Festival is cancelled.
As of right now, the Capitol Federal Fireworks Show is still slated to start at 10 p.m.
Other Independence Day events like the Potwin Neighborhood parade and Collins Park Neighborhood parade have been cancelled due to the rainfall. The College Hill Neighborhood parade stepped off about 20 minutes late, but still got in their event.
In Manhattan, after remaining hopeful they’d be in the clear, Manhattan Parks and Rec cancelled its Star-Spangled Spectacular Cardboard Box Regatta.
Copyright 2026 WIBW. All rights reserved.
Kansas
Colombia fans in Kansas City celebrated victory Friday over Ghana in the Round of 32 World Cup match
KSHB 41 reporter Isabella Ledonne reports on stories in Overland Park, Johnson County and topics about government accountability. Share your story idea with Isabella.
—
Colombians, Ghanians and Argentinians in Kansas City brought the energy and excitement for Friday’s Round of 32 matches in the World Cup.
Colombia fans in Kansas City celebrate victory win over Ghana in World Cup match
Colombia and Ghana played Friday at Kansas City Stadium, with Colombia winning over the Black Stars 1-0.
At Paisa MX Columbian Restaurant in North Kansas City, dozens celebrated their country’s win with dancing, food, and more dancing.
Colombia could now have a match with Argentina in the quarterfinals in Kansas City if both teams win their next matches
With Friday’s win over Cape Verde, Argentina is one step closer to coming back to Kansas City.
Jake Weller
“It’s a big deal for me because my dad is Argentinian,” Jeremias Carmona, a soccer fan said. “Having Argentina in our backyard is literally the best thing.”
But Cape Verde didn’t go home without a fight, pushing Argentina to extra time at the end of the match.
“If you’re not at the game, you feel like you’re at the game [at watch parties] because the amount of people there are here,” Carmona said.
Even though the matches are higher stakes and more intense, it’s still a special moment shared between families.
Jake Weller
“It’s so cool to share [the game] with [my dad] who encouraged me and pushed me in soccer,” fan Kaelynn Seestadt said. “It’s been a really amazing experience.”
Valeria Lobo traveled to Kansas City with her mom, Bade, hoping to see her family’s country win.
“It’s our first Colombia match and we’re so excited,” Valeria Lobo said.
Jake Weller
“Really big World Cup energy [in Kansas City],” Lobo said. “I love it so much.”
Some fans traveled from right down the road, buying their match tickets five minutes before an interview with KSHB 41 News.
Jake Weller
“We’re going to do it and have the most memorable night of our life,” fan Ben Johnson said.
Kansas City turned yellow Friday night for both Ghana and Colombia, with the community giving that warm Midwest welcome.
Jake Weller
“It feels like home,” Colombia fan Martha Bermudez said. “You get goosebumps to see your Colombia colors and hear your language.”
At Paisa MX, it was a home away from home for dozens of Colombians in Kansas City.
Jake Weller
“We’ve been looking everywhere for a Colombia restaurant,” fan Christina Rose said. “The food made us feel like we were back home and this place has it all.”
Colombia will now face Switzerland in the Round of 16 on Tuesday, July 7.
—
A Kansas man was injured in a jet-ski accident at Lake of the Ozarks Thursday evening.
The Missouri State Highway Patrol (MSHP) reported the incident happened at 7:55 p.m. at 341 Little Island Drive in Camden County.
According to the incident report, the 58-year-old Topeka man operated a 2023 Kawasaki jet-ski too close to a bridge pillar and struck it.
The man sustained minor injuries and was transported to a hospital.
MSHP noted the man was wearing a lifejacket during the incident.
-
News4 minutes agoPaul Pelosi in hit-and-run in California, car left with major damage, authorities say
-
Los Angeles, Ca1 hour agoFirefighters battle Fourth of July blazes around Los Angeles
-
Detroit, MI2 hours agoStorm chances linger into the start of the week across Metro Detroit
-
San Francisco, CA2 hours agoRelay for America runs flag from San Francisco to D.C. in message of unity
-
Dallas, TX2 hours agoCowboys newcomer already looks like a waste of money in Dallas
-
Miami, FL2 hours agoPolice search for suspect after man is shot while on a boat near hotel in Fort Lauderdale on 4th of July
-
Boston, MA2 hours agoSonny Gray shines again, and the Red Sox make it two straight wins at the Angels to start grinding road trip – The Boston Globe
-
Denver, CO2 hours agoAldi expanding into Colorado, applies for permits at two Denver locations
