Preston Ordone, known to TikTok fans as ‘Okay Baby,’ was involved in a collision on April 24 along with his parents, Katelynn and Jaelan Ordone.
Reports say the family’s 2011 Ford F-150 veered off Interstate 12 for unknown reasons and crashed into a tree.
Following the crash, Katelynn and Jaelan sustained serious injuries, while their two-year-old son sadly passed away.
The couple has another child, Paisley, who was at school during the accident.
Louisiana State Police stated on Facebook: “The driver and front passenger, both properly restrained, suffered serious injuries and were taken to a local hospital. Preston, who was seated in the rear but was not properly restrained in a child safety seat, also sustained serious injuries and was transported to the hospital, where he later died. A routine toxicology test was conducted on the driver as part of the ongoing investigation.”
The police emphasized that proper restraint use significantly reduces the risk of serious injury or death in crashes. Louisiana law requires all occupants, regardless of seating position, to be properly restrained at all times.
However, Preston’s grandfather, Glen Norris, disputed the claim that the toddler was improperly restrained, according to NOLA.com.
Glen said he spoke with witnesses and the person who removed Preston from the car, all of whom said he was properly secured in his car seat.
The grieving grandfather called the police’s comments “hurtful and painful.”
Many people also questioned the necessity of sharing that Preston was allegedly not properly restrained on the police Facebook post.
In response, the department explained that their intent is never to add to the pain but to be transparent and keep the community informed.
The Louisiana State Police said: “While there are certain details we cannot share due to legal or operational reasons, we strive to provide enough information to help people stay informed about events that affect their communities. We do not share information to cause embarrassment or anger, but to fulfill our responsibility for transparency and accountability.”
A GoFundMe page has been set up to support the family, with funds going towards medical bills for Katelynn and Jaelan.
The fundraiser notes that Preston’s passing has left a “profound void in the lives of his parents and the community that cherished him.”