The Florida police couple who took their own lives within days of each other, leaving their one-month-old son an orphan, had both reportedly been remembered for saving many lives.
In a statement this week, Sheriff Ken Mascara said Clayton Osteen, a St. Lucie County Deputy, died January 2nd. Within days after Osteen’s death, his wife, Deputy Victoria Pacheco, committed suicide “in the wake of her husband’s death.”
According to WPTV’s reports, Osteen, 24, had received an award as Deputy of the Year in 2020, just a year after joining the force. The station also said Osteen had previously served in the US Marins, citing his personnel records.
Osteen also saved the life of someone overdosed on drugs after performing CPR on the person, according to the news outlet.
Osteen’s wife, Pacheco, 23, had joined the department in 2020. Pacheco was awarded last year for her contribution in also saving a person who overdosed on drugs, the station added.
A statement on the GofundMe page for the child reads:
“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. Tragically, for reasons completely unknown and totally out of character, Clayton took his own life December 31st, 2021. Reeling from the shock of loss, Victoria took her own life two days later”
“Baby Jayce now needs the support of community and country to help provide for him going forward,” the statement added.
Friends, relatives, and law enforcement officers are left wondering if the stresses of the job played a part in the couple’s decisions to commit suicide.
On Wednesday, Gov. Ron DeSantis announced that his administration has taken steps to support first responders. First Lady Casey DeSantis also announced recently that $12 million will go toward expanding mental health services for first responders, according to WPTV.
