The Pataskala community is reeling in shock and sorrow following the tragic death of Scott Romei, a local man widely known as “Decker Scott” to those who knew him. The 42-year-old man died by suicide on Monday, December 16, in the parking lot of the Kroger store located at 350 East Broad Street, after a harrowing police chase. The events leading up to his death have shaken the close-knit town of Pataskala and prompted deep reflection on the importance of mental health awareness and support for those in crisis.
The tragedy unfolded earlier in the day when local law enforcement officers attempted to stop a vehicle driven by Romei, who had been reportedly involved in a series of traffic violations and possibly a more serious offense. While authorities have yet to release detailed information about the exact nature of the pursuit, it is known that the chase began in the vicinity of Pataskala and ended near the Kroger supermarket, a busy area that is normally a hub for the community. After a tense pursuit, which escalated as police followed Romei through the streets of Pataskala, the situation ended when Romei stopped his vehicle in the Kroger parking lot and tragically took his own life. His death was confirmed by first responders on the scene, leaving his family, friends, and the entire community in shock and mourning.
Scott Romei, known affectionately as “Decker Scott” by those closest to him, was a prominent figure in the local community. He was not only the owner of Frank Romei & Son Plumbing, a well-regarded family business in Pataskala, but he was also deeply involved in the day-to-day life of the area. Romei had lived in Pataskala for many years and was a proud graduate of Granville High School. His presence in the community was felt by many, and he had earned a reputation as a complex, caring individual who could brighten a room with his humor and offer support to anyone in need.
“Decker was a part of this community in a way that’s hard to put into words,” said a close friend, who wished to remain anonymous. “He was the kind of person who would drop everything to help someone else. He had this infectious laugh and a way of making people feel like they mattered. But, like so many, he struggled in silence, and we didn’t see this coming.”
Romei’s tragic death has left his friends and family grappling with a profound sense of loss and confusion. Local residents, many of whom had known Scott for years, have shared their shock over the suddenness of his passing. For those who were closest to him, there is a sense of helplessness, compounded by the fact that Romei’s struggles were not immediately apparent to those around him. Friends and loved ones have recalled moments where they saw glimpses of his pain, but many did not fully realize the depth of his inner struggles.
“He was always there for everyone else, but he never really shared what was going on inside,” another friend explained. “He’d crack jokes, make us laugh, and that was his way of coping, but I think he was carrying a lot of weight that none of us fully understood. Now, all we can do is mourn and honor him.”
The police chase, which is still under investigation by local authorities, raised significant questions about what led Romei to this devastating outcome. While details about the chase remain sparse, there is speculation that it may have been influenced by a series of personal and emotional issues. Several people close to Romei have suggested that he had been dealing with mental health challenges for some time, though he had not reached out for professional help in a meaningful way. His friends noted that Romei had struggled with anxiety and depression, and while he was open about some of these feelings with those closest to him, he never sought formal treatment.
“This is a wake-up call,” said one local campaigner for mental health awareness, visibly emotional. “We all need to pay attention to the signs. If someone like Decker, who was loved and respected by everyone in this town, could be struggling in silence, then we need to do more to break the stigma surrounding mental health and make sure that people in crisis know they are not alone.”
The tragic end at Kroger has sparked an outpouring of grief, but also a renewed sense of urgency within the community to address the growing mental health crisis that affects so many individuals, often in isolation. For the people of Pataskala, this is not just a loss of a community member, but a reminder of how important it is to ensure that those who are suffering have the resources and support they need.
“We can’t bring him back, but we can learn from this,” said one neighborhood activist. “We need to start talking about mental health in the open. It’s not enough to just offer condolences. We need to make sure people know how to seek help, how to talk about what they’re going through, and how to support each other before it’s too late.”
In the wake of Romei’s death, the Kroger location where the incident occurred was temporarily closed on Monday afternoon as authorities conducted an investigation. Local police have said that while they are still piecing together the full sequence of events, they are treating the case as a tragic suicide. The management at Kroger has expressed deep sympathy for the family and all those affected by this heartbreaking tragedy. “Our hearts go out to Mr. Romei’s family and friends during this difficult time,” a statement from the Kroger management said. “We are offering support to those affected by this loss and are working closely with local authorities as they investigate.”
Romei’s death serves as a grim reminder of the silent struggles that so many individuals face, often without anyone knowing the depths of their pain. According to mental health professionals, the signs of distress are often subtle, and people who appear outwardly strong or successful may be suffering the most. Romei’s tragic decision to end his life serves as a stark and painful example of the pressing need to address mental health issues before they escalate into devastating consequences.
As the community reflects on the loss of “Decker,” local mental health advocates have called for a more robust community-driven effort to raise awareness about mental health and provide resources to those in need. The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline, which is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week, has been highlighted as a critical resource for individuals facing mental health crises. The lifeline can be reached at 988, and advocates are emphasizing the importance of destigmatizing mental health struggles to ensure that people feel comfortable reaching out for help.
In honor of Romei’s memory, a small vigil has been planned by his friends, family, and members of the community. The event will take place in Pataskala, where locals will gather to remember the life of a man who touched many lives with his humor, kindness, and generosity. “Decker will not be forgotten,” said a longtime friend. “We wish we could have done more, but we hope others know they can talk about their struggles and get the help they need before it’s too late.”
While the town of Pataskala grieves, there is also a sense of resolve to take meaningful action. Many have vowed to continue the conversation about mental health, to advocate for greater access to mental health services, and to break the silence that too often surrounds such issues. This is not just about one person’s tragic end; it’s about ensuring that no one in the community has to feel as though they are suffering alone.
Scott Romei’s death marks a sorrowful chapter for Pataskala, but it also serves as a catalyst for change. As the community mourns, it has resolved to honor his memory by fostering a culture of openness, support, and understanding, one where those in need know that they are not alone in their struggles.
As the investigation continues, the town’s residents are committed to keeping the conversation alive and ensuring that such a tragedy does not repeat itself. Pataskala will remember Scott Romei, affectionately known as “Decker Scott,” as a beloved friend, neighbor, and community member—while also pledging to do everything possible to support those struggling with mental health challenges in the future.
The community stands together in this time of mourning, determined to find solace in one another and to turn their collective grief into a force for greater awareness, compassion, and healing.
