From Soldier to Tragedy: An Overdose Leaves Former Plantation Worker in Critical Condition, Wife and Child Dead

Forty-year-old Jean Carlos Aponte, a former plantation man who served in the military and recently sought help for his mental health, is in critical condition at the hospital after an apparent self-induced drug overdose. On Tuesday, his wife Sara Ashley Gama and 2-year-old son Ethan were found dead inside their home.

Chris Haley, an Army veteran and Purple Heart honoree, told NBC6 on Wednesday that Aponte had reached out to Catch A Lift Fund, a group that provides former service members with mental health support through working out. Haley accepted Aponte into the program. “It’s a bummer because that is the whole reason why our organization exists,” he said. “It’s to kind of stop this. So when it does happen, it’s pretty shocking because that’s kinda what we’re trying to avoid.”

Haley says Aponte was suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder and a traumatic brain injury. “He had very strong desire to make things right because he had a wife and a kid on the way,” he said. “That was one of the things I remember very clearly is he wanted to do things right and be a positive example for his family.”

Police have not released how or why Aponte allegedly killed his wife and child. However, they are still actively investigating the case and no charges have been filed yet. On Wednesday, police spent their time in a canal looking for what neighbors believe was a cellphone.

If you or someone you know is in crisis, call or text 988 to reach the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline or chat live at 988lifeline.org