Friends mourn beloved child welfare advocate killed in triple stabbing

COLLEGE HILL, Ohio (WKRC) – Patricia McCollum, better known as Miss Pat, is described as a passionate social worker who tirelessly advocates for children.

Throughout her life, she has cared for more than 100 children, taught foster care, and lectured on childhood trauma at UC.

Local 12 spoke with a woman who befriended Pat more than 30 years ago and said he was an inspiration.

“That’s why I became a foster parent and an adoptive parent, and now I also train for the state. So Pat was there throughout this whole process, and I’m so grateful to be a part of her life,” she said. Debra McMullen, my friend of 35 years.

Pat left a lasting impression on those he met. Friends said he was best known for his compassion and love of children; whether that’s by babysitting families or advocating for families. Debra McMullen met Pat 35 years ago at pre-foster care training.

“He advocated for families and served as an educator in the state of Ohio for more than 30 years,” McMullen said.

Moreover, McCollum was a licensed social worker at several hospitals, McMullen said. Pat’s legacy can be seen through Rosemary’s Babies, a young parent support service. The founder, Pat, was a young mother herself, she said.

“He had been a mentor to so many people, and it was the things he did specifically, like loving a girl who didn’t even know how to love herself, sharing her story, her passion, and her kindness with me. That was what she was known for.” “That’s who she is, and that’s a memory I intend to keep,” said Rosemary Oglesby-Henry, founder and CEO of Rosemary’s Babies Co.

Oglesby-Henry said Pat was instrumental in establishing Hollow House for pregnant teens, but she is heartbroken that Pat will not be at the grand opening in November.

“Even though he’s not here, part of his stay will be with the over 200 kids he serves. He’ll stay in this facility and he’ll stay with me the whole time,” Oglesby-Henry said.

McMullen said DJ McCollum had to return to his previous foster home, but Pat wanted to make him a permanent member of the family. Kaydence was Pat’s “little girl.”

Pat received many awards throughout his life. Some of these include the NAACP’s Hometown Champion Award, the Cincinnati Police Department’s Service Excellence Award, and the Cincinnati Herald’s Nefertiti Award.

Cincinnati Public Schools released a statement regarding the death of 11-year-old Kaydence McCollum. She was a student at Parker Woods Montessori School.

The CPS said in part:

“Our sympathies and support continue with our family, friends and school community. The district’s crisis intervention team will be at the school tomorrow to provide support to students.”

The deaths left many questions unanswered. Dr., a forensic psychologist with nearly 30 years of experience. Ed Connor offered insight into the potential motivations behind such a violent act.

Dr. “There may be some degree of revenge, sheer hatred and aggression that drives someone to act this way towards another human being,” Connor said. “There may also be an element of mental illness.”

Dr. Connor also explained that in some cases, the perpetrator may aim to inflict as much trauma and injury on the victim as possible.

He emphasized the importance of community support in times like these, especially for those who know the victims.

Dr. “It’s important for their own mental health that they trust each other,” Connor said.