THE heartbroken family of the toddler who went viral as “Okay Baby” on TikTok has spoken out about the car crash that took his life.
Two-year-old Preston Ordone died from his injuries after a horrific wreck that left both of his parents seriously hurt in the hospital.
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The family’s truck “veered off the roadway to the right and struck a tree” on Thursday, according to the Louisiana State Police.
As Preston’s parents, Katelynn and Jaelan Ordone, are still recovering in separate hospitals after the devastating accident, the family has been left even more heartbroken by how police described the crash.
Cops said Preston, who was sitting in the back of the car, was “improperly restrained in a child safety seat” at the time of the crash in Covington, Louisiana, about 45 miles north of New Orleans.
Katelynn’s dad, Glen Norris, told Nola.com that contrary to what cops said, Preston had been properly restrained in his car seat before the crash.
Norris said he spoke with a witness at the scene who removed Preston from the wrecked truck.
The witness reportedly said Preston was properly restrained in the car seat.
Norris said he was angry at the state police’s claims, which they shared in a post on Facebook after the crash.
He said the cops’ reports were “hurtful and painful.”
Trooper Marc Gremillion insisted the press release was accurate, according to Nola.com.
In a pinned comment on Facebook, LSP said, “Our goal is never to add to the pain, but rather to fulfill our responsibility in this age of information.”
The reason for the crash is still being investigated.
LSP hasn’t returned The U.S. Sun’s request for comment.
Norris 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, was at school at the time of the accident.
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
Katelynn and Jaelan were both wearing seatbelts when the truck crashed.
A video was posted on Katelynn’s social media accounts on Sunday, where the mom’s cousin, Brielle Matranga, shared the news of the tragedy.
“They tried everything they could for Preston, but he had to go be with Jesus,” Brielle said.
She continued, “Katelynn has multiple broken bones. She had a very bad concussion. She walked for the first time today.
“Jaelan had to have emergency surgery on one of his legs. He has rods, pins in them. They’re both at different hospitals.”
In an update shared to Facebook by Katelynn’s mom, she shared that Katelynn will have to wear a back brace for months, while Jaelan has to undergo another surgery for his shattered leg. The couple are expected to be discharged from the hospital this week.
‘OKAY BABY’
The Ordones are known for sharing heartwarming videos of their family of four on TikTok, where they have over 400,000 followers and garner millions of views on videos.
Preston became popular for his rowdy energy and hilarious dance moves.
In many of his viral videos, the toddler would answer his mom’s instructions with “okay” before directly disobeying her by goofing off or jumping in mud puddles, sparking his nickname as the “Okay Baby.”
Carson Matranga, Brielle’s husband and a fellow TikToker, shared a sweet message with fans in the video posted to Katelynn’s accounts.
“I know you guys looked forward to seeing him every day,” Carson said about Preston in the clip.
“I know that in heaven right now, if there’s mud in heaven, he’s probably found it.”
A GoFundMe set up for the family has raised over $35,000.
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