On the morning of January 16, 2024, Kate Jones had no idea her day would turn into something she could never forget.
It was a cold, snowy day in Perryville, Maryland. Her three children — Skylar, 14, Gaige, 10, and Allyson, 12 — were home since schools were closed.
Kate, who worked long hours as a truck driver, had left for work around 10 a.m. She believed her older children were still sleeping at home. But soon, her day would take an unexpected turn.
The night before, everything seemed normal. Kate had spent time with her son Gaige, coloring and watching a movie. Skylar and Allyson were in their room, playing together. Gaige, who was close to Skylar, often slept in his sisters’ room.
But the next morning, something felt wrong. Allyson woke up first and texted her mom, saying she couldn’t wake up Skylar or Gaige.
Kate rushed back home, her heart racing. As soon as she stepped inside, she sensed the situation was serious.
“I opened the door and I knew,” Kate told People.
She quickly told Allyson to call for help.
When emergency teams arrived, they did their best, but sadly, Skylar and Gaige had already passed away.
The cause shocked the family: fentanyl overdose.
Kate couldn’t understand how this happened. She later shared how close she was to her children. Skylar was her best friend, and Gaige was her cheerful son.
A small bag was found near Skylar, raising questions about how fentanyl entered their home. Kate and her mother, Kathy, believe it may have come from someone at school.
An investigation is still ongoing, with no one yet charged.
Kathy shared her grief in a public support group, describing her grandchildren as kind and full of life. She now cares for Allyson, who is going through therapy.
In another heartbreaking event, Gaige’s father passed away later that year, adding to the family’s pain.
The search for answers continues, as Kate focuses on supporting Allyson and keeping the memory of Skylar and Gaige alive.