Family members have been left stunned after a Florida sheriff's deputy and his girlfriend both killed themselves within days of each other, leaving their six-week-old child orphaned.
St. Lucie Sherriff's Office Deputy Clayton Osteen, 24, attempted suicide shortly before midnight on New Year's Eve.
He survived the attempt and was taken to hospital, where his family later made the hard decision to remove him from life support.
A mere two days later, his partner and colleague Victoria Pacheco, 23, took her own life, leaving behind their newborn son Jayce.
A GoFundMe page set up to raise money for Jayce describes their deaths, saying Osteen took his life "tragically, for reasons completely unknown and totally out of character."
It goes on to explain how Pacheco died, saying: "Reeling from the shock of loss, Victoria took her own life two days later."
"Clayton and Victoria were joy-filled, first-time parents excited about their growing family, enamored with their baby Jayce, and so in love with each other," the page recalls.
"[They] selflessly served the citizens of St. Lucie County, Florida. Clayton was Deputy of the Year, 2020, and was a SWAT team member. Clayton also served in the United States Marine Corps."
"Baby Jayce now needs the support of community and country to help provide for him going forward," the page concludes.
Per the Daily Mail, Osteen's brother, who is also a St. Lucie Deputy, will care for Jayce going forwards. The Sheriff's Office is rallying to raise money to help him care for the baby, sourcing everyday essentials like diapers, wipes, and food stores.
As well as being a Deputy, Osteen was also a retired US Marine.
Authorities have not given any clear explanation for what might have prompted the couple's suicides. Sherriff Mascara wrote in a statement that deputies often deal with stress, saying:
"While it's impossible for us to fully comprehend the private circumstances leading up to this devastating loss, we pray that this tragedy becomes a catalyst for change, a catalyst to help ease the stigma surrounding mental well-being and normalize the conversation about the challenges so many of us face on a regular basis."
If you or someone you know is in crisis, please reach out for help and contact the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 800-273-8255, text HOME to 741741, or visit SpeakingOfSuicide.com/resources.
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