The Appleton Police Department is still investigating a car accident that sadly resulted in the death of Jacob Hackl, a sophomore at Xavier High School in Appleton on May 27.
At a special Mass held at St. Pius Church, nearly 1,000 people gathered to pray for him.
Fr. Jim Jugenheimer, the pastor at St. Pius X, spoke about the community’s hope and love for Jacob and his family.
Jacob was badly hurt in a crash around 1 a.m. and was flown to Children’s Hospital in Milwaukee.
His brain, lungs, and heart were severely damaged, and without a miracle, he wouldn’t survive, his mother shared in a message.
Jacob was also a member of the school’s varsity football team, wearing jersey number 24. He was 5’9” tall and weighed 155 pounds.
He was part of the class of 2027 and had played football since his freshman year.
Family And Friends Mourn The Loss Of Jacob Hackl
Jacob Hackl’s aunt, Kelly O’Hara Flugaur, shared how deeply heartbroken the family is over his loss.
She remembered Jacob for his unique personality, his bright smile, and the way he could make everyone laugh.
As he passed away, she imagined him reuniting with Kiley, smiling warmly and excited to show how much he had grown since they last saw each other.
No words could ever convey the profound and immense grief we feel with the unimaginable loss of our nephew Jacob. Please pray for the Hackl and Flugaur families, their friends and surrounding community who love him so very much.
Kelly O’Hara Flugaur
I will always, always remember his quirkiness, his contagious smile and laugh and his easy and lovable personality. As he made his way to the Lord last night, I just can’t help but imagine him greeting Kiley with the biggest smile, wanting to show her just how very much he’s grown since they were last together. They sure have a lot to catch up on.
Further, Abby Scotch asked others to keep Jacob’s family in their thoughts and prayers—his mother Gina, father Scott, and his siblings Aiden, Grace, Luke, Elise, Rose, and Claire.
She also asked for prayers for Jacob’s friends, who are also grieving this loss.
Jacob truly loved Jesus more than anything. He is now resting in His arms, having passed away peacefully at 10:40pm. (5/27/25) Please pray for his soul and for our family. We are in the depths of grief, but find great consolation in the fact that Jacob had a true and deep faith in our Lord with whom he now shares eternity.”
Abby Scotch
Please take a moment today to lift up Jacob’s family: Gina, his mother, Scott, his father, and his siblings Aiden, Grace, Luke, Elise, Rose, and Claire, with love and prayer. Please also remember his friends who will also be feeling this tremendous loss.
May you forever rest in peace, Jacob
Furthermore, Janet Tuccinardi shared a message she received from Anita Schmidt, a parishioner at St. Andrew’s, asking for prayers for the Hackl family in Appleton.
At the time, doctors didn’t expect him to survive the day.
Anita’s heartfelt message was a call for people to take a moment to pray for Jacob and his family as they faced an unimaginable situation, hoping for a miracle.
May Jacob rest peacefully in God’s eternal embrace.
