Cooper Lamb, the son of Pinal County Sheriff Mark Lamb, was Caroline Patten's fiancé.
A week after her fiancé and 1-year-old daughter were killed in a terrible car accident, Arizonan Caroline Patten, 20, passed away from her horrific injuries. Cooper Lamb, the son of Pinal County Sheriff Mark Lamb, was Patten's fiancé. Patten's death was announced by Sherrif Lamb via a Facebook post, saying, "Last night our sweet Caroline passed away. She went home to be with Cooper and Elaine. Please keep her Family in your prayers," he wrote.
Around 3:45 p.m. on the day of the accident, Patten was driving with her husband Cooper and their daughter Elaine in Gilbert, Arizona, near Elliot Road and Cole Drive, just west of Recker Road. Just then, a driver who was possibly under the influence struck her vehicle as she attempted to make a left turn, per AZ Family. Cooper Lamb and Elaine died at the site, while Patten was taken to the hospital with critical injuries.
On December 18, Pinal County Sheriff's Office announced Cooper and Elaine's death via a sobering Facebook post, which said, "Last night, Sheriff Lamb lost his son, Cooper Lamb, along with his one-year-old granddaughter in a crash in Gilbert. Cooper and his daughter were passengers in the vehicle. Cooper’s fiance and mother of the child was also seriously injured. She remains in critical condition. Please keep the families in your prayers and respect their privacy at this time."
Sheriff earlier acknowledged the passing of his son and granddaughter in a statement, according to Sentinel. The statement read, “The outpouring of love from our family and friends/community has deeply humbled and affected us. We cannot express how grateful we are. Our hearts are crushed, but we find solace in your love, as well as the love of God and Jesus Christ."
Last night, Sheriff Lamb lost his son, Cooper Lamb, along with his one-year-old granddaughter in a crash in Gilbert. Cooper and his daughter were passengers in the vehicle. Cooper’s fiancé and mother of the child was also seriously injured. She remains in critical condition. pic.twitter.com/OrhRbSvQTu
— Pinal County Sheriff’s Office (@PinalCSO) December 17, 2022
Brian Torres, 21, the driver, was detained at the scene of the collision on Friday and was being investigated for a DUI, per AZ Family. A lab study of Torres' BAC, according to the investigators, is still pending. Charges will be sent to the Maricopa County Attorney's Office after the test results are made public.
Many people expressed condolences for the family. “While I never knew Caroline personally, the love displayed for her mother, Sherri, and infant child Elaine is more than words can convey. May you find peace in the hands of God and know you are loved,” Rodgers wrote. A Facebook post by the Sheriff's office shared that they feel extremely grateful for this support. The post read, "Thank you for all your prayers and offers to support the victims’ families after the crash that killed Sheriff Lamb’s son and granddaughter." They also shared their online fundraising links to a GoFundMe and a FundTheFirst.
References:
https://www.facebook.com/americansheriff
https://www.gofundme.com/f/cooper-lamb-family-funeral-expenses
https://fundthefirst.com/campaign/support-for-sheriff-lamb-family-oihqks
https://ksusentinel.com/2022/12/25/caroline-patten-died/
Cover Image Source: Facebook | Pinal County Sheriff's Office
