Palm Beach County Attorney Jason Okleshen Found Dead in Intracoastal Amid Mental Health Crisis, Martin County Sheriff Says
Martin County Sheriff John Budensiek recently shed light on the bizarre and tragic sequence of events that ended with the discovery of a well-known Palm Beach County attorney dead in the Intracoastal Waterway. The body of 49-year-old Jason Okleshen, a respected attorney from Palm Beach County, was recovered under circumstances that authorities are still working to fully comprehend.
In a detailed account, Sheriff Budensiek outlined the unsettling chain of events leading up to Okleshen’s untimely death. According to investigators, Okleshen had been enduring a severe mental health crisis in the days preceding the incident. The sheriff emphasized that this crisis appeared to be connected to medication Okleshen had been prescribed for a diagnosed mental health condition. Family sources and close associates reported that the effects of this medication, or a possible adverse reaction to it, seemed to have a profound impact on Okleshen’s mental state.
Adding further strain to his deteriorating mental health, Okleshen and his wife were reportedly grappling with significant marital challenges. Though private in nature, these difficulties may have compounded his emotional instability, contributing to a downward spiral in his mental well-being.
On the day of the incident, law enforcement received reports of suspicious behavior near the Intracoastal area. Witnesses described seeing a man, later identified as Okleshen, acting erratically on or near the water. Despite efforts by nearby individuals to intervene or make contact, Okleshen eventually vanished from sight, prompting a call to authorities.
A search ensued, involving marine patrol units and dive teams from Martin County Sheriff’s Office. The operation concluded with the heartbreaking discovery of Okleshen’s body in the Intracoastal. There were no immediate signs of foul play, nor any evidence pointing to a struggle or external cause of death.
“This looks like an accident involving an individual who was going through some type of mental breakdown or had some type of reaction to either drugs, narcotics, or prescription medication,” Sheriff Budensiek stated during a press briefing. He underscored that the tragedy serves as a somber reminder of the unseen battles many individuals face, particularly those linked to mental health and the delicate balance of medication.
Authorities are awaiting toxicology reports and a full autopsy to confirm the exact cause of death and to determine whether substances—prescribed or otherwise—played a direct role in the incident. Meanwhile, the community mourns the loss of a man known for his legal expertise and professional contributions in Palm Beach County.
Friends and colleagues of Okleshen have expressed shock and sorrow over the news, describing him as a dedicated attorney and a person who, despite personal struggles, worked hard to maintain his professional responsibilities. Mental health advocates have also weighed in, stressing the importance of awareness, early intervention, and the need for ongoing conversations about mental health, especially among high-pressure professions like law.
As the investigation continues, Sheriff Budensiek and his team remain in contact with the Okleshen family, offering support during this difficult time. The sheriff reiterated the importance of seeking help in times of crisis and expressed hope that this tragic case may encourage others battling similar issues to reach out before it’s too late.