Death of Calif. CEO's young son follows man's girlfriend's - Houston Chronicle

SAN DIEGO — The 6-year-old son of a pharmaceutical company executive died Sunday, almost a week after falling down the stairs at his father's historic mansion — the same house where his father's girlfriend was found dead hanging nude from a balcony two days later, the boy's parents said.

Max Shacknai died at Rady's Children's Hospital in San Diego, Medicis Pharmaceuticals, Inc. chairman and chief executive Jonah Shacknai said in a statement along with ex-wife Dina Romano, the boy's mother.

"With great sadness, Dina and I convey the tragic passing of our beloved son, Max (affectionately known as Maxie)," the statement issued through Medicis Pharmaceuticals said. "Despite heroic efforts on the part of paramedics and hospital staff, he was unable to recover from the injuries suffered early last week. His loving, kind and vibrant spirit will be forever in our hearts and those whom he touched every day."

On Monday, Max fell down the stairs at the historic Spreckels mansion in Coronado in what police called a tragic accident. He was not breathing and did not have a pulse when paramedics found him.

On Wednesday, officials said Shacknai's 32-year-old girlfriend, Rebecca Nalepa, was found dead hanging nude from a balcony at the mansion, her hands and feet bound. Shacknai's brother, Adam, who was staying in the mansion guesthouse, called to report Nalepa appeared to be dead, police said. Jonah Shacknai was not at home.

Sheriff's Capt. Tim Curran has called the death "very bizarre."

via chron.com

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