Non-Profit Created in Max Shacknai’s Memory

The mother of a boy who died after falling inside Coronado’s Spreckels Mansion has announced the creation of a non-profit that will help the kids living in multiple homes.

Six-year-old Max Shacknai died July 17 of last year after reportedly falling inside the Spreckels Mansion in Coronado. He died several days after the fall as a result of spinal injuries.

Two days after the fall, Jonah Shacknai’s girlfriend Rebecca Zahau was found hanging nude by a rope around her neck from the second-story balcony above the home's courtyard. The death was later ruled a suicide by officials.

Max’s mother, Dina, set up the nonprofit Maxie’s H.O.U.S.E. to be the voice of children in blended families, and to spread awareness for how having multiple households can impact children, according to the organization’s website.

“Our organization will focus on the protection and safety of children in blended family regardless of what parent or caregiver they are with,” Dina said in a press conference in Pheonix on Monday. “It is intended to be a national resource center.”

Dina has voiced speculation around the nature of her son’s death. Zahau was babysitting Max at the time of the fall. Dina said during the press conference she always felt uncomfortable leaving Max alone with Rebecca, and was working with Max’s father Jonah to establish rules.

“His legacy reminds us of how undeniably important it is that every child have the right to be safe and to live in a harmonious home environment,” reads Max’s bio on the Maxie’s House website.