We are only a few days into the new year, but I think we will be challenged to find a more heartbreaking story in 2022.
On New Year’s Eve, St. Lucie County Deputy Clayton Osteen tried to take his own life.
His family removed him from life support on Tuesday.
Two days later, distraught over the loss of her husband, Deputy Victoria Pacheco committed suicide.
The couple left behind a newborn child.
Just Cannot Imagine…
The thoughts that go through someone’s head when their spouse decides to leave them in this way must be horrific.
In this case, Pacheco was not only dealing with the loss of her husband, but also the father of their one-month-old baby.
Osteen attempted to take his own life on Friday night, and he remained on life support through the weekend.
After his family decided to take him off life support, Pacheco’s loss was too much to bear.
Two days later, she followed him.
Both officers had been cited for their actions as officers that had saved lives.
After serving in the Marines, Osteen joined the Deputy’s office, and he was awarded Deputy of the Year honors in 2020.
Pacheco was also cited for saving an individual who had overdosed on drugs.
Sheriff Ken Mascara stated, “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 well-being and normalize the conversation about the challenges so many of us face on a regular basis.”
This trend of officer suicides has been on the rise over the last few years.
Surely, the amount of disrespect and animosity aimed at police has something to do with that.
You put your life on the line, day in and day out, only to literally be spit on when you show up for a call.
This is just a sad day for a community that loses two of its officers, but it is a horrific day for a child that will now grow up without a mother or father.
Governor DeSantis announced steps that are being taken to help first responders, citing $5 million that is being distributed to promote helplines and crisis counseling for the state’s first responders.
What do you think is causing the rise in police suicides?
Tell us your thoughts in the comments section below.
Source: New York Post
