Jonah Shacknai: Six-Year-Old Son Dies from Fall in Mansion

The young son of Medicis CEO Jonah Shacknai died this weekend, the Los Angeles Times reported. The boy's death comes after Shacknai's girlfriend was found dead in the same mansion two days after the child's fall.

Six-year-old Max Shacknai fell from the grand staircase in his father's mansion last Monday; the family announced the death to reporters in an email Sunday.

His loving, kind and vibrant spirit will forever be in our hearts and those whom he touched every day, Jonah Shacknai's email said. The loss to our families, Max's friends of all ages, and teammates, and the community is immeasurable.

Max Shacknai was not responsive when the paramedics arrived on Monday. The boy had fallen from the stairs and was not breathing and did not have a pulse, Coronado Police Chief Louis Scanlon said Thursday.

It is unclear whether Max ever regained consciousness in the time he was hospitalized.

Two days after Max's fall, Shacknai's girlfriend, Rebecca Nalepa, was found on Wednesday hanging from a rope, nude, with her hands and feet bound with orange electrical cord, according to the San Diego County Sheriff's department. The Sheriff's Department said her death could be a suicide.

The Sheriff's Department also said it has found no connection between the young boy's fall and the death of Nalepa, 32. Her body was found by Shacknai's brother, Adam. The investigation into the death continues.

Shacknai is the founder and chief executive officer of Medicis Pharmaceutical Corp, based in Scottsdale, Ariz., which specializes in skin-care products.

Nalepa, who was divorced, had been with Shacknai for more than two years.

Full statement from Jonah Shacknai to reporters Sunday night:

With great sadness, Dina and I convey the tragic passing of our beloved son, Max (affectionately known as Maxie). 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 forever be in our hearts and those whom he touched every day. The loss to our families, Max's many friends of all ages and teammates, and the community is immeasurable.

We appreciate your respecting the privacy of our families during this time of grieving for Max. A private memorial service is being planned.

Memorial contributions honoring Max may be made to Whispering Hope Ranch Foundation either by mail to 9045 E. Pima Center Parkway, Scottsdale, AZ 85258, or via their web site, www.whisperinghoperanch.org.

On behalf of Dina, myself and our families, please know of our appreciation for the tremendous outpouring of support provided during this very difficult time.

Jonah