A tragic car accident has claimed the life of a two-year-old TikTok sensation.
Preston Ordone, recognized by his TikTok fans as ‘Okay Baby’, was in an automobile accident on April 24, alongside his parents, Katelynn and Jaelan Ordone.
Their 2011 Ford F-150 reportedly veered off the I-12 in Louisiana for reasons that are still unclear, resulting in a crash against a tree.
Katelynn and Jaelan sustained serious injuries in the accident, while their young son tragically passed away.
The family has another child, Paisley, who was at school during the incident.
Following the accident, Louisiana State Police commented via a Facebook post: “The driver and front passenger, who were both properly restrained, sustained serious injuries and were transported to a local hospital. Preston, who was seated in the rear, but improperly restrained in a child safety seat, also sustained serious injuries and was transported to the hospital, where he later succumbed to his injuries. As part of the ongoing investigation, a routine toxicology sample was collected from the driver for analysis.
“Louisiana State Police stress that proper restraint use significantly reduces the risk of serious injury or death in a crash. Louisiana law requires all occupants, regardless of seating position, to be properly restrained at all times. The proper use of seat belts and child safety seats can be the difference between life and death.”
Contradicting the police’s statements, Preston’s grandfather Glen Norris, as reported by NOLA.com, maintains that the toddler was indeed properly secured in his car seat.
Glen has spoken to witnesses of the tragic event and the individual who retrieved Preston from the vehicle, both of whom assert he was correctly restrained.
This has led the grieving grandfather to describe the police’s comments as ‘hurtful and painful’.
Comments on the Louisiana State Police’s Facebook post questioned the necessity of divulging details about Preston’s alleged restraint status.
The department has since clarified that their intention in sharing such information is not to exacerbate the pain.
“Louisiana State Police carries a significant, often difficult, responsibility to the residents of our state to be transparent and honest about what is happening in our communities in a timely manner,” police’s response began. “While there are certain details we may not be able to share due to legal or operational constraints, we make every effort to provide enough information to help people stay informed about matters that may affect them and their communities.”
It continued: “We do not do this with the intention of causing embarrassment, anguish, or anger. Our goal is never to add to the pain, but rather to fulfill our responsibility in this age of information. The Louisiana State Police must, when legally required, provide answers to the media and the public, ensuring transparency and accountability in the process.”
A GoFundMe page has been launched to support the family. Donations will assist with Katelynn and Jaelan’s medical expenses.
The fundraising page notes that Preston’s passing has left a ‘profound void in the lives of his parents and the community that cherished him’.
If you are grieving and seeking support, you can reach out to The Compassionate Friends at (877) 969-0010.