Friends mourn beloved children’s rights activist who died after triple stabbing

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

Throughout her life, she fostered over 100 children, provided foster care training, and taught classes on childhood trauma at the University of California.

Local 12 spoke to a woman who became friends with Pat over 30 years ago and who said he is an inspiration to her.

“That’s why I became a foster and adoptive parent, and now I also conduct training for the state. “Pat was there through it all and I am so grateful to have been a part of her life,” said Debra McMullen, a friend of 35 years.

Pat left a lasting impact on those she met. Her friends said she was best known for her compassion and love for children, whether through fostering or supporting families. Debra McMullen met Pat 35 years ago while training for foster parents.

“She advocated for families and served as a coach at Ohio State for over 30 years,” McMullen said.

Moreover, McMullen said McCollum is a licensed social worker at various hospitals. Pat’s legacy can be seen through Rosemary’s Babies, a support service for teen parents. Its founder said Pat was a teen mom herself.

“She was a mentor to many people, and these were things she did in private, like loving a girl who didn’t even know how to love herself, and sharing her story, her passion, and her kindness with me. That’s what she was known for. That’s who she is and that’s what I intend to keep her memory alive,” said Rosemary’s Babies Co. founder and CEO Rosemary Oglesby-Henry.

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

“Even though she is not here, a part of her remains with the more than 200 children she serves. He will remain in this facility and will remain with me forever,” Oglesby-Henry said.

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

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

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

CPS said in part:

“We express our sympathy and support to his family, friends and school community. The district emergency response team will be at school tomorrow to provide support to students.”

The death left many questions unanswered. Dr. Ed Connor, a forensic psychologist with nearly 30 years of experience, provided insight into the potential motives behind such a brutal act.

“There may be a degree of vengeance, pure hatred and aggression that could drive someone to behave this way towards another human being,” Dr. Connor said. “It may also be part of mental illness.”

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

He stressed the importance of social support in such moments, especially for those who knew the victims.

“It’s important that they can rely on each other for their mental health,” Dr. Connor said.