UW-Milwaukee student dies in Panama City Beach on spring break

A UW-Milwaukee student died on spring break Saturday after falling from the balcony of the condominium building where he was staying in Panama City Beach, Fla.

Jacob Winkler, a 21-year-old native of Menomonee Falls fell from the seventh-floor balcony of the Gulf Crest Condominiums Saturday morning at around 2 a.m. He was pronounced dead at the scene.

Police are investigating the incident, but say they do not suspect foul play.

Winkler’s high school classmate and friend Emma Smith said he was loving, fun and popular.

“He was always smiling,” Smith said. “He just seemed like he genuinely loved life a lot. He was a happy person.”