Army Veteran and Purple Heart Honoree Shocked by Tragic Suicide of Plantation Man Receiving Mental Health Support

Army veteran and Purple Heart honoree Chris Haley was shocked when he learned of the tragic death of Jean Carlos Aponte, a Plantation man who killed his wife and toddler before attempting suicide. Aponte, 40, is in critical condition at the hospital after an apparent self-induced drug overdose. On Tuesday, his wife Sara Ashley Gama, 38, and 2-year-old son Ethan were found dead inside their home.

Haley accepted Aponte to the Catch A Lift Fund program, which provides former service members mental health support through working out. The organization was founded with the goal of helping veterans overcome mental health challenges. Haley says that Aponte had reached out for help with his struggles with post-traumatic stress disorder and traumatic brain injury.

“He had a very strong desire to make things right because he had a wife and a kid on the way,” Haley 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.” However, police have not released how or why Aponte allegedly killed his wife and child.

The investigation into this tragic incident is still very active, and no charges have been filed yet. Police spent their Wednesday in a canal looking for what neighbors believe was a cellphone that went missing during the tragedy. 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. You can also visit SpeakingOfSuicide.com/resources for additional support.