Mt. Lebanon, Pennsylvania, is mourning Patrick Lynch, 42, and his children, James, 8, and Caroline, 6, after the three were found dead Tuesday, November 3, following a fall from a municipal parking garage. Authorities are investigating the deaths as a murder-suicide.
The children’s mother and Patrick’s wife, Anna DeMase Lynch, shared a message on social media describing her husband’s recent job loss and depression. She said Patrick had agreed to seek help and had a therapy appointment scheduled for November 4.
“My husband made the irreversible decision to kill our two children and himself this evening,” Anna wrote. She asked people to check in on their loved ones and said she had never imagined this would be how her family’s story ended.
Police Investigate Deaths at Mt. Lebanon Parking Garage
Mt. Lebanon Police Chief Jason Haberman said the three were found near the municipal building and public parking garage on Washington Road. They were pronounced dead at the scene shortly after 4:15 p.m.
Authorities identified the deceased as Patrick Lynch, 42, James Lynch, 8, and Caroline Lynch, 6. Allegheny County police are assisting with the investigation. The Allegheny County Medical Examiner said both children died from multiple blunt force injuries.
Officials have said the deaths are being investigated as a murder-suicide. The incident has deeply affected the community, where residents and local officials are grieving the loss of the family.
Anna Lynch Says Her Husband Had Been Struggling After Job Loss
In her message, Anna said Patrick had been laid off in August and became depressed afterward. She said she encouraged him to see a therapist, and he agreed to attend an appointment scheduled for November 4.
“Before the media jumps to conclusions, he was a wonderful dad,” she wrote.
Anna’s message also included personal tributes to her children. She remembered James with a wish that he could “ski all the bowls,” and Caroline with a hope that she could “eat all the Skittles and play in [her] own castle made of slime.”
“Rest in peace my angels,” she wrote. “Best friends forever.”
Community Grieves and Schools Close
Mt. Lebanon officials said the tragedy has caused profound trauma throughout the community. Police Chief Haberman expressed condolences to the family and others affected, noting that many residents would know someone connected to the family.
Mt. Lebanon Commissioner Andrew Flynn said residents were grieving in different ways, including parents trying to understand how to talk with their children about what happened.
Two elementary schools, Markham and Washington, and Honey Bee Haven daycare were closed Wednesday to give students, families and staff time to grieve. Other schools in the district remained open, with absences excused for families who chose to keep their children home.
Honey Bee Haven said Caroline was a beloved member of its community and that the loss of both children was difficult to comprehend. The daycare also said Anna had dedicated herself to advocating for children and helping create safe, supportive environments.
Caroline Lynch’s Disability Advocacy Remembered
Caroline had Williams syndrome and heart and lung disease, according to Mt. Lebanon Magazine. After her diagnosis, Anna co-founded the Inclusion Collective with another mother to promote disability awareness and create a supportive community for families.
In an interview with the magazine last year, Anna said she had not known anyone raising a child with a disability when Caroline was diagnosed and did not know where to begin. She said the group was created to provide the kind of space that families like theirs had needed.
The daycare said it would honor Caroline by continuing to support children and families.
Officials Encourage Neighbours to Support One Another
Pennsylvania State Representative Jen Mazzocco, whose district includes Mt. Lebanon, urged residents to check on one another as the community begins to cope with the loss.
She said the town’s close-knit nature would help people support each other, even as the trauma would take a long time to heal.
The deaths of Patrick, James and Caroline have left their family, friends and neighbours grieving. Community members have been encouraged to offer support and give those affected time and space to mourn.
