A young Chicago mother and her two children were found dead in Lake Michigan on Sept. 13, leaving their family devastated and searching for answers.
The victims were identified as Drake Patton, 31, her 6-year-old son Wyatt, and her 1-year-old daughter Jream. Authorities said the bodies were recovered in two locations along the lakefront. Jream was found near the 5700 block of S. Lake Shore Drive around 11:23 a.m., while Patton and Wyatt were discovered hours later near E. Hayes Drive.
All three were pronounced dead at the scene.
Family Speaks Out
Patton’s aunt, Katina Dean, told Fox 32 that her niece struggled with mental health after losing her mother in 2019, but there were no clear signs she might harm herself or her children.
Dean dismissed early speculation that a domestic dispute led to the tragedy, saying the reports were false. Instead, she believes her niece was overwhelmed by grief that never fully healed.
“As much as we all poured into Drake, and she had a loving family and friends, it was just never enough in her mind,” Dean said.
She added that Patton once made a haunting remark after her mother’s death: “One day you guys might look up and me and Wyatt are going to be in the ocean.”
A Community in Mourning
Dean said the family gathered at the water’s edge Tuesday night to grieve and honor the lives of Patton and her children. They plan to hold a memorial service on Saturday.
The family hopes that, despite their pain, the tragedy will encourage others who may be struggling to seek help.
“If you’re grieving, seek solace somewhere,” Dean said. “Tomorrow is a new day.”
Authorities said autopsy results are pending, but no foul play is suspected.
If you or someone you know is struggling with thoughts of suicide, call or text the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline at 988 for free, confidential help.
