Florida sheriff’s officers both commit suicide, leave their six-week-old baby orphaned, family says
Bewildered relatives say a Florida sheriff’s deputy committed suicide “for completely unknown reasons” on New Year’s Eve, sparking a tragic chain of events in which his girlfriend committed suicide two days later, leaving their six-week-old baby orphaned.
Shortly before midnight on New Year’s Eve, Lucie Sheriff’s Office Deputy Clayton Osteen, 24, attempted suicide but survived and was taken to a hospital, where his family made the decision to remove him from the ventilator.
Two days after Osteen’s fatal suicide attempt, his partner, co-worker and the mother of his one-month-old son, Victoria Pacheco, 23, committed suicide. A GoFundMe Page Founded to raise money for the couple’s son, Jayce, said: “Tragically, for completely unknown and totally unpleasant reasons, Clayton committed suicide on December 31, 2021.
“Nearly recovered from the shock of the loss, Victoria committed suicide two days later.” It continued: “Clayton and Victoria were joyful parents who were first excited about their growing family, in love with their baby Jayce and so in love with each other.”
Now family and friends who are reeling from the loss are shocked at the parents’ choice to end their lives. They say they were as happy as ever after they welcomed their new baby and the reason behind the drastic actions is unknown.
The St. Lucie Sheriff’s Office is collecting money and basic daily necessities to raise baby Jayce, (pictured) including accepting essentials such as diapers, wipes, gift cards for baby and food stores
The tragic death of Osteen and Pacheco left their son Jayce Osteen, who was born on November 22, 2021, orphaned
Family and friends are reeling from the loss and are shocked by Osteen and Pacheco’s choice to end their lives.
St. Lucie County Sheriff’s Deputy Sheriffs Clayton Osteen (left) and Victoria Pacheco (right) died of suicide just days apart last week
Jayce Osteen was orphaned after his mother and father, who were both sheriff’s officers, committed suicide
The young couple had just welcomed their first child together, a boy, in mid-November. Osteen and Pacheco are pictured at her September baby shower
Osteen and Pacheco had been in service with the armed forces since November 2019 and February 2020 respectively.
Osteen’s brother, who is also a St. Lucie deputy, intervenes to care for the newborn.
The St. Lucie Sheriff’s Office is collecting money and basic daily necessities to help Osteen’s brother raise baby Jayce, including accepting essentials such as diapers, wipes, gift cards for baby stores and food stores.
Kelly Ridle, the mother of a colleague of Osteen and Pacheco who founded the GoFundMe for baby Jayce, described Osteen’s suicide attempt as “unexpected” and “inexplicable”
“The grief is deep and painful,” Ridle wrote on Facebook. “Parents shouldn’t bury their children. Brothers and closest friends must be called upon for support. Babies should grow up surrounded by their parents’ love. But know my friends, despite this dire situation, I have seen more grace, love, compassion, answered prayers and even what feels like a few miracles this week than I could even imagine among those left behind. We are forever bound to each other and to Jayce.”
Osteen was a retired US Marine who previously served as a gunner with the 3rd Battalion, 2nd Marine Regiment.
He enlisted in May 2015 and was featured in a video about undergoing training in the jungles of Brunei in 2016.
Osteen, pictured above cradling his girlfriend’s pregnant belly, tried to take his own life on New Year’s Eve and was killed two days later
Osteen was a retired United States Marine, formerly serving as a gunner with the 3rd Battalion, 2nd Marine Regiment
The young mother-of-one committed suicide just one day after her partner’s death
Authorities haven’t said what might have prompted the couple’s successive suicides or how they died, but Sheriff Mascara noted in his statement that deputies often deal with “stress” and being “human”.
“While it is impossible for us to fully understand the private circumstances that led to this devastating loss, we pray that this tragedy becomes a catalyst for change, a catalyst to alleviate the stigma surrounding mental wellbeing and encourage conversation about the challenges normalize so that many of us are confronted regularly,” the sheriff added.
Friends share memories and photos of the tragic couple on social media.
“A real brother has lost his inner struggle,” Ray Tourville wrote of Osteen on Facebook. “I struggle to find the words to write that do him even remotely justice. I’m incredibly sorry you thought this was your only option.’
To make a donation to support baby Jayce, click here. Write ‘Jayce Osteen’ in the comment box of the donation to make sure the money goes directly to him.
Or send baby gear to Collin Pratt on 2318 Laurel Rd E apt 3306 North Venice , Fl 34275
Alternatively, people can donate through GoFundMe.