FRESNO, Calif (KFSN) — Around a kitchen table scattered with family photos, the Patla family laughs softly at old snapshots. They point out grandpa’s beard, grandma’s smile, and the beach selfies Olivia loved to take. It’s a bittersweet ritual – a way to keep her close.<\/p>\n
“She just lit up the room,” said Rene Patla, Olivia’s mother. “She was ready to go into the world and follow her brother Jacob everywhere. And she was beautiful – absolutely stunning inside and out.”<\/p>\n
We died with her that same day. To see your daughter on a stretcher – it’s an image you can never get out of your head.<\/p>\n
Rene Patla, Olivia’s mother<\/p>\n
Olivia Patla was 18, a day shy of graduating from Clovis North High School, when she died from a fentanyl overdose in 2021. Her parents say she promised to be careful before leaving that night.<\/p>\n
“She looked me in the eyes and said, ‘Mom, I’m not stupid. I would never do that. I don’t want to die,'” Rene recalled.<\/p>\n
Law enforcement sources tell Action News that a 17-year-old friend gave Olivia the pill that killed her – and got it from Lakota Wakely. Wakely is serving eight years in federal prison on an unrelated case, while the state case tied to Olivia’s death remains pending. Investigators say the teen refused to call 911 as Olivia overdosed and even recorded video as it happened.<\/p>\n
“The only thing I remember that day is rushing to get to where my daughter had passed away,” said Paul Patla, Olivia’s father. “My wife on the phone telling me that Olivia’s with Jesus. I just can’t believe what I heard.”<\/p>\n
The loss shattered the family. “We died with her that same day,” Rene said. “To see your daughter on a stretcher – it’s an image you can never get out of your head.”<\/p>\n
As I get older, I start to forget her voice. And it’s scary.<\/p>\n
Abigail Patla, Olivia’s sister<\/p>\n
For Olivia’s siblings, speaking out now is part of healing. “It was so unexpected,” said Abigail. “No one should ever lose a daughter – a sibling. We have an empty seat at the table. Even right now, sitting here, it’s us three.”<\/p>\n
Luke added, “It doesn’t get better. You just learn to live with it. My family is so close and so supportive, but we have to live without our sister. We have to live for her name.”<\/p>\n
Jacob said the tragedy changed everything. “We were strong as six, and we’re even stronger as five because of that loss. It’s unfortunate, but I think we’re even stronger now. When one of us has a bad day, we know the others are here for us.”<\/p>\n
The Patlas buried Olivia in the dress she planned to wear for graduation. Now, they share her story to warn others about the dangers of fentanyl. Her photo and name were recently displayed during a presentation at Washington Union High School in Easton, where Fresno County District Attorney Lisa Smittcamp spoke to an auditorium full of students about the deadly risks of fentanyl.<\/p>\n
Saving a life is what my daughter gave her life for.<\/p>\n
Rene Patla, Olivia’s mother<\/p>\n
“Olivia hated taking photos,” Abigail said with a laugh. “If she knew her face was on a big screen in a presentation around the country, she’d be like, ‘What? Oh my gosh.’ But it’s good. Kids need to know.”<\/p>\n
Luke agreed: “Even if these kids don’t listen, it makes me feel good knowing that these people and my sister aren’t just being forgotten.”<\/p>\n
Jacob added, “They’re reiterating how this can affect anybody – any type of kid. It could be something simple that these kids try in high school, and maybe they’ll think, ‘Okay, I’m not going to do this. My graduation won’t happen.'”<\/p>\n
For Rene, that mission brings meaning to the pain. “It makes me feel like Olivia is still helping people,” she said. “Saving a life is what my daughter gave her life for.”<\/p>\n
Back at the kitchen table, the family flips through more photos. Abigail reflects, “As I get older, I start to forget her voice. And it’s scary. I miss her a lot. And I love her.” Luke looks up and says quietly, “We have to live without our sister. We have to live for her name.” Jacob nods. “We’re trying to live every day for her because she’s not here to do that.” Rene reaches for Paul’s hand. “I’m going to live the life that she didn’t get to – do the things for her that she deserved.” Paul adds, “Every moment is precious.”<\/p>\n
Rene smiles through tears. “We’re just stronger. Stronger because we have Olivia watching over us.”<\/p>\n
If you or someone you know is struggling with substance use, call the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) helpline at 1-800-662-HELP (4357) or visit samhsa.gov<\/a> for confidential, free support available 24\/7.<\/p>\n