Florida Deputies Who Died By Suicide Laid To Rest, Left 1-Month Old Baby Behind

Florida sheriff deputies Clayton Osteen and Victoria Pacheco have been laid to rest.

On Saturday, a funeral was held for the couple, who died by suicide within days of each other. People reported that Osteen, 24, and Pacheco, 23, leave behind their 1-month-old baby, son Jayce.

“Clayton and Victoria were laid to rest side-by-side this afternoon. Tonight we celebrate and share memories. Sunday we rest. Monday begins to the work of making sure this never happens again. Love and peace to all,” Kelly Ridle, a friend of Osteen, posted on the GoFundMe campaign, which was created to raise money for the infant.  

Sheriff Ken Mascara stated that Osteen attempted suicide on New Year’s Eve and was removed from life support two days later. 

Pacheco died by suicide on Jan. 4, Mascara reported.

The sheriff described the couple as “young” and “ambitious,” adding that they were “human just like us,” and both dealt with the intense pressures from the job.  

“Law enforcement deal with not only the day-to-day stress we all face but also the stress of those whom they serve in our community, which can sometimes be very challenging,” Mascara explained. 

“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 around mental well-being and normalize the conversation about the challenges so many of us face on a regular basis,” he added. 

A “close family member will adopt the couple’s son,” the GoFundMe said.

“The families of Clayton and Victoria are so grateful for all prayers and support received,” Ridle wrote. “All donations will be used for enriching Jayce’s life experiences and securing a brighter future.”

The account has raised over $95,000 for baby Jayce.