To our community,

It is with deep sadness that we share that Eric Windeler, Founder and longtime Executive Director of Jack.org, passed away on May 23rd, 2026. Eric passed peacefully, surrounded by family. Our thoughts are with his family at this difficult time.

We have lost our founder, a fierce champion for youth mental health, and the man who showed us that the status quo isn’t good enough and that together we can change it.

After the loss of his son Jack to suicide in 2010, Eric dedicated his life to youth mental health. He was a tireless advocate for change and firm believer that young people deserve a seat at the table. His work has impacted the lives of countless young people, empowering them to understand mental health, seek support, be there for one another, and advocate for better.

This is difficult news for many. Not only because Eric founded this movement, but because he also embodied the very best of it. His compassion and commitment to mental health came through not only in the work he did, but in the way he showed up for people. In sharing his story, he helped young people, community members, and advocates to speak up, show up, and be part of something bigger. He helped people find light in their darkest moments, and modeled how to build something meaningful out of profound loss.

He spent over a decade stewarding Jack.org into a national movement. This community meant the world to him. In it, his belief in a better future came to life: through a community determined to make sure no young person struggles alone, and in young people leading the way, supporting one another and driving change. His vision is embodied in the incredible Jack.org community and the momentum it continues to build.

Eric’s legacy of hope will continue on. He built this movement with intention, with care, and with people he knew would continue his work. There is essential work ahead of us, and it will be done thanks to the strong foundation Eric built for us. 

We will continue to honour him in the best way we know how – by championing youth mental health, and ensuring every young person gets the support they need. 

To read more about Eric’s life and legacy, please visit jack.org/rememberingeric. 

‍

With gratitude,