Patrick Clancy Reveals the Moment He Knew He Could No Longer Stay in Duxbury After Losing His Three Children

Patrick Clancy and his new wife, Dr. Rachel Danis, sit down with Ross Douthat of “60 Minutes” on Sept. 20, 2026.60 Minutes

Patrick Clancy has shared new details about the period after the deaths of his three children, revealing that one seemingly ordinary drive past their school became a breaking point that ultimately contributed to his decision to leave Duxbury, Massachusetts.

The father of Cora, 5, Dawson, 3, and 8-month-old Callan spoke about his grief during an emotional interview following the mistrial in the case against his former wife, Lindsay Clancy. Rather than focusing only on the events surrounding the children’s deaths, Patrick described what happened when the crowds disappeared and he was left trying to live in a town filled with reminders of them.

A Routine Drive Became Too Painful

Patrick said that in the weeks after the tragedy, the initial rush of people and support eventually faded.

“Everything just came to a screeching halt,” he recalled.

Then, without planning to, he drove past his children’s school at the same time their friends were arriving.

Seeing other children being dropped off proved overwhelming.

“I just– I couldn’t be there anymore,” Patrick said.

He eventually relocated to New York City, seeking the anonymity that came with starting over somewhere new. While there, Patrick marked what would have been Callan’s first birthday by lighting a candle at St. Patrick’s.

The Four Days Patrick Still Holds Onto

During the interview, Patrick also returned to the final days of his youngest child’s life.

After learning that Callan still had a heartbeat, Patrick said he genuinely believed there was a possibility his 8-month-old son could survive. In that moment, his thoughts narrowed to one desperate hope: that he might still be able to bring one child home and someday tell him about his brother and sister.

The Clancy children: Cora, 5, Dawson, 3, and Callan, 8-months.

Callan was airlifted to Boston Children’s Hospital and remained alive for four more days.

Patrick said he remains grateful that his son “hung on” long enough to give him that time.

When Callan died, Patrick was beside him. He recalled apologizing to his son, holding him and lying next to him during his final moments.

Life After Lindsay Clancy’s Mistrial

Lindsay Clancy looks on as Judge William Sullivan declares a mistrial in Plymouth, Mass., on Sept. 4, 2026.via REUTERS

Patrick’s interview came roughly three weeks after Lindsay Clancy’s trial ended in a mistrial on September 4.

Eleven jurors favored finding Lindsay not guilty by reason of insanity, while juror Michael Desronvil disagreed. Without a unanimous verdict, the judge declared a mistrial.

Patrick has said he believes he did the best he could with the circumstances he faced before the tragedy.

“I live with the outcome. I live with it every day,” he said.

He also revealed that Lindsay never asked him to forgive her for killing their children, but said he chose to give her that forgiveness anyway.

Building a Future Without Leaving His Children Behind

Patrick has since married fertility doctor Rachel Danis. The couple live in New York City and revealed that they are planning to start a family together.

Patrick made clear that any future children will grow up knowing about the siblings who came before them.

He said he “can’t wait” to tell them about Cora, Dawson and Callan — ensuring that even as he builds a new chapter of his life, his three children remain part of it.