Jack died in August 2012 after becoming caught inside a falling and collapsing elevator. This occurs when massive subsurface explosions damage the new town square and disrupt a celebration. In this case, Jack is highly heroic since he gives up his own life to rescue Abigail's. Here is how the author describes this scene: "An explosion rocked the ground beneath them, sending debris flying into the air. Abigail looked up in alarm as she heard shouts coming from somewhere behind her. She turned just in time to see an elevator crash down through the roof of the square. Her heart in her throat, she watched in horror as people were crushed by its heavy metal doors." After these terrible events, Abigail decides to leave New Paris because she fears for her safety. She goes back home to America where her father has recently been elected president.