WACO, Texas — Elizabeth Waller says Jan. 10, 2020, is a day she'll never forget.
That is the day her oldest son, Stetson Hoskins, lost his battle to mental illness.
The 24-year-old walked in front of an 18-wheeler after making threats to do so.
Stetson had struggled with mental health issues since about the age of 19. Stetson's mother says while her son was in school, he was outgoing and had a love for baseball.
"Oh he loved baseball. He played tee-ball at the age of four. [He] played all the way through high school," said Waller.
Stetson had been diagnosed with bipolar disorder and schizophrenia.
His mother had a difficult time understanding how to deal with the mental illnesses.
"I wish I had been more patient," said Waller.
When Stetson would have manic episodes, he would become violent. He told his mother he was going to have to kill himself, if not he would kill her.
"I didn't understand totally what he was going through," said Waller.
Stetson refused to take medication
One day during an argument, Waller recorded a heated argument with her son. She was asking him to start taking medication. Stetson refused.
Stetson also refused treatment for a while.
He would talk about trying to get the voices out of his head.
"I can't do it anymore, so I’ll be out broke," said Stetson in an argument.
Homeless living in a hotel
Stetson became homeless after his mother — who was also trying to raise her younger son Colton — was evicted several times because of his behavior.
Colton had a special bond with his brother. Stetson would teach him to play baseball, ask girls out, and teach him the way.
I looked at him like a hero, and to see your hero on ground zero like that.
Stetson trying to get help
Stetson finally tried to get help at The Crisis Treatment Center in Waco, which is run by the Heart of Texas Region Mental Health Mental Retardation Center in collaboration with the Providence Healthcare Network.
On January 8, 2020, medical records show Stetson started attacking employees. He was placed on the floor and put in handcuffs. He was discharged and received a ticket for assault.
Stetson said he would walk out on Highway 6 in front of an 18 wheeler.
He was given medication and was able to settle down.
The day Stetson died
Stetson was released on Jan. 10. The hospital gave him information about homeless shelters and sent him on his way.
Stetson's mother was not living in Waco.
"He called me and said they're making me leave," said Waller.
Stetson's mother didn't have a car and was looking for a ride to get Stetson.
Before she could get to him, Elizabeth received the call that Stetson was dead.
Stetson's mother places some blame on the hospital.
Life after death
Elizabeth is now trying to piece her life back together. She's living near Tyler and opened up a store to sell arts and crafts.
"No one should be embarrassed about mental health," said Waller.
Stetson's younger brother is writing music to help cope with the death.
Both admit it's been difficult.
