A close family member will adopt the orphaned son of the two Florida sheriff’s deputy couple who recently committed suicide within days of each other.
St. Lucie County Sheriff’s deputies Clayton Osteen,24, and Victoria Pacheco, 23, committed suicide within days of each other during the first week of the new year, Sheriff Ken Mascara announced on Tuesday. On New Year’s Eve, Osteen tried to kill himself and was taken off life support two days later.
Two days after Osteen’s death, Pacheco also took her own life, according to Mascara.
The couple left behind their one-month-old son, Jayce. A “close family member,” Kelly Ridle, has decided to adopt baby Jayce, according to a friend of Osteen, who launched a GoFundMe campaign to benefit the child.
“The families of Clayton and Victoria are so grateful for all prayers and support received,” Ridle said. “All donations will be used for enriching Jayce’s life experiences and securing a brighter future.”
According to their online obituaries, Osteen and Pacheco will be laid to rest together on Jan. 8 at a church in Florida. On her obituary, Pacheco, also known as “Tori,” was remembered as a “confident, strong-willed, and fearless young woman.” They said she was adventurous and an aspired artist.
Osteen’s obituary said he was a former SWAT team member and was awarded 2020 Deputy of the Year. He had previously served in the U.S. Marines and as a non-commissioned officer. He was remembered for his humor and dependability.
