The Ordone family has shared an update on the condition of Katelynn and Jaelan Ordone after a tragic car accident that took the life of their son.
Last week, Katelynn and Jaelan Ordone were involved in a car accident while driving with their two-year-old son, Preston. Their vehicle left the road and collided with a tree.
Preston, known to many as the viral TikTok sensation ‘Okay Baby’, sadly lost his life in the crash, and his parents sustained serious injuries.
Louisiana State Police addressed the incident on social media, stating in 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.”
The post continued: “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.”
The statement has caused distress due to the claim that Preston was not properly restrained. The toddler’s grandfather has addressed the issue, describing the police statement as ‘hurtful and painful’.
In response, Louisiana State Police commented in the same post, explaining they did not intend to ‘add to the pain’ of the situation but felt a responsibility to be ‘transparent and honest about what is happening in our communities in a timely manner’.
While the community mourns the loss of young Preston, his parents remain hospitalized as they recover from their injuries.
An update on Katelynn’s TikTok page, where she had shared many videos of Preston, was posted by two family members on her behalf.
They confirmed the heartbreaking news of Preston’s death and provided details about his parents’ conditions: “Katelynn and Jaelan are severely injured. Katelynn has multiple broken bones. She had a very bad concussion. She walked for the first time today [since the crash].
“Jaelan had to have emergency surgery on one of his legs. He has rods and pins in them.”
The couple was reportedly taken to different hospitals. To assist with their medical expenses, a GoFundMe page has been established.
At the latest update, the fundraising effort has accumulated over $39,500 towards its $50,000 target.
If you’ve experienced a loss and wish to speak with someone confidentially, you can reach out to The Compassionate Friends at (877) 969-0010.