THE mother of a beloved toddler who went viral on TikTok as “Okay Baby” has broken her silence on her son’s heartbreaking death.
Parents Katelynn and Jaelan Ordone’s were traveling in their family truck with their two-year-old son, Preston, on April 24 when they were involved in a single-vehicle crash.
Preston died from his injuries after the family’s vehicle veered off the roadway to the right and struck a tree, according to the Louisiana State Police.
Katelynn Ordone fought back tears as she addressed her TikTok followers about the tragedy incident.
“Hey guys, this is Katelynn. I am Preston’s mom and I wanted to try and come on here and give y’all an update,” she said in a low tone.
“I have been hearing about all of the love and support that y’all have been giving. It means so much to us at a time like this.”
Ordone went on to say she was discharged from the hospital on Wednesday; however, her husband, Jaelan, remained hospitalized.
The heartbroken mom said she and her family were staying at an Airbnb close to the hospital Jaelan was in so they could visit him.
“None of us really understand why or how this could happen,” Katelyn added.
“But, your support has made a big difference in a lot of this and I may not be able to watch everything, I may not be able to reply to every comment because it’s really hard for me to look at it but I’m still seeing some things and hearing how much y’all love him.
“It means a lot,” Ordone continued as her voice began to crack.
‘HURTFUL AND PAINFUL’
The crash occurred at around 11:50 am in Covington, Louisiana, about 45 miles north of New Orleans and left the parents with several injuries, state troopers said.
The family was heading home from a doctor’s appointment when the accident occurred, family members said.
The Ordones’ daughter, Paisley, who also frequently appears on the family’s TikTok account, was at school at the time of the accident.
Louisiana State Police are still investigating the crash, but reported that Preston, who was sitting in the backseat of the truck, was “improperly restrained in a child safety seat.”
Preston’s distraught grandfather, Glen Norris, slammed police for their report, saying he spoke with a witness who was traveling behind the truck when the accident occurred.
The witness said the toddler was properly restrained in a car seat when he was removed from the wreckage, according to Nola.com.
Norris called the state police’s statement, “Hurtful and painful.”
Loved ones of the Ordones shared horrific details about the crash in a video shared on Instagram 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 parents are “severely injured.”
“Katelynn has multiple broken bones. She had a very bad concussion. She walked for the first time today,” Brielle added.
“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).”
