The 1-month-old baby who was left orphaned after both his police officer parents died will be adopted by a close relative.
The devastating chain of events started on New Year’s Eve when 24-year-old Clayton Osteen, a Florida cop, attempted to take his own life. He passed away in hospital only two days later.
His girlfriend, 23-year-old Victoria Pacheco, then took her own life. The couple left behind their newborn son Jayce, who is now being cared for by Osteen’s brother.
Osteen’s friend, Kelly Ridle, shared the news of Jayce’s adoption on a fundraising page.
“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.”
Pacheco’s grieving grandmother, Bernice Bartolini, likened the heartbreaking tragedy to a ‘Romeo and Juliet’ type story.
In a Facebook post, she wrote: “My heart is so sad I thought I was hurting before I lost my beautiful granddaughter. Tragic Romeo and Juliet story. They are now together forever.
“This loss is so painful … Victoria and I were very close when I lived in Florida, she was there for me. I wish I could have been there for her. My insides are being torn apart, my heart hurts so bad.”
Sheriff Ken J. Mascara also offered his condolences on behalf of the department.
“Today, the members of the St. Lucie County Sheriff’s Office carry the burden of a very heavy heart as we share with you the tragic passing of two of our deputies: Deputy Clayton Osteen and Deputy Victoria Pacheco,” the statement read.
“Words cannot express the tremendous loss we all feel after losing these two members of our Sheriff’s Office family.”
Lucie County Florida Sheriff
Mascara also noted the importance of mental health.point 69 | “While it is 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.point 344 |
”point 3 | 1
Osteen was remembered as a “father, partner, son, brother, and friend to so many” who had joined the department since 2019.
Pacheco was described as a “mother, partner, daughter, granddaughter, sister, aunt and friend to so many.” She became a member of the department in 2020.
What are your thoughts on this? Let us know in the comments section and SHARE this story with your friends and family!
Recommended Video For You!
“Dog Rescued By A Police Officer After Being Tied To A Moving Truck”