A BELOVED toddler who went viral as “Okay Baby” on TikTok has died after a devastating car accident.
Two-year-old Preston Ordone was traveling with his parents, Katelynn and Jaelan Ordone, when the family’s truck crashed on Thursday.
Preston died from his injuries in the single-vehicle crash while his parents were both hurt in the accident, according to the Louisiana State Police.
The family’s car “veered off the roadway to the right and struck a tree,” LSP said in a statement, adding that they’re still investigating the cause of the crash in Covington, Louisiana, about 45 miles north of New Orleans.
Cops said Preston was sitting in the backseat of the truck, but was “improperly restrained in a child safety seat.”
Glen Norris, Preston’s grandfather, has fought back against police for saying the toddler wasn’t properly secured in his car seat before the crash at around 11:50 am.
Norris said he spoke with a witness who was behind the car when it wrecked, who said Preston was properly restrained in a car seat when he was removed from the vehicle, according to Nola.com.
He went on to call the police’s statement “hurtful and painful.”
In a pinned comment on Facebook, cops said, “Our goal is never to add to the pain, but rather to fulfill our responsibility in this age of information.”
The devastated grandfather said Katelynn and Jaelan were heading home from a doctor’s appointment with Preston when they veered off the road.
The couple’s daughter Paisley, who is also featured on the family’s TikTok account, was at school at the time of the accident.
Cops said that Preston’s parents were wearing their seatbelts at the time of the crash.
Family members of the Ordones shared devastating details about the crash in a video on social media on April 27.
“Their truck veered to the right off the interstate and struck a tree and unfortunately Preston didn’t make it,” a woman called Brielle said.
She said Preston’s mom and dad are “severely injured.”
“Katelynn has multiple broken bones. She had a very bad concussion. She walked for the first time today,” Brielle said.
“Jaelan had to have emergency surgery on one of his legs. He has rods, pins in them. They’re both at different hospitals.”
Louisiana State Police’s press release
The Louisiana State Police announced the tragedy that took the life of TikTok star Preston Ordone in a news release on April 24.
“Shortly before 11:50 a.m., Troopers from Louisiana State Police Troop L responded to a single-vehicle crash on Interstate 12, west of the LA Hwy 59 exit in St. Tammany Parish. The crash tragically claimed the life of 2-year-old Preston Ordone of Slidell,” LSP said.
“The preliminary investigation indicates that a 2011 Ford F-150 was traveling eastbound on I-12 when, for reasons still under investigation, the vehicle veered off the roadway to the right and struck a tree.
“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.
“Parents and caregivers who are unsure about their child’s car seat installation are encouraged to visit any Louisiana State Police Troop or contact the Louisiana Highway Safety Commission to locate the nearest fitting station. Ensuring correct installation and usage of car seats and booster seats is critical to preventing injuries and saving lives.
“Louisiana State Police urge all motorists to drive responsibly, obey traffic laws, and avoid driving while impaired, fatigued, or distracted. Always ensure every occupant in the vehicle is properly restrained. To report hazardous driving, dial LSP (577).”
Source: LSP
The caption of the post says, “This is the hardest post we could possibly make, finding words is still so hard.
“We hope that you can help our family in any way possible in this hard time.
“It still feels so unreal… All your prayers, love and support is needed and appreciated. Thank you.”
The family is known for sharing heartwarming vlogs on TikTok, where they have over 400,000 followers and garner millions of views on videos.
Katelynn often shared clips of little Preston sweetly saying “okay” to his parents before disobeying them.
FANS PAY TRIBUTE
The family’s fans have shared their heartbreak for the family in the comments of the post announcing the tragedy.
“Rest in peace OkayBaby. My heart is shattered. Condolences to you all,” one wrote.
Another shared, “I am shocked to my core by this whole thing. Preston would always pop up on my fyp & would instantly put a smile on my face. It’s so scary the way things can change in the blink of an eye.”
“When one mama cries we all cry,” one fan commented.
“RIP sweet Preston aka ‘Okay Baby’ you will be missed so much. We will miss your videos and interviews. I am so sorry you were taken so soon. I am so heart broken.
A GoFundMe for the family has raised over $31,000.
