A tragic car crash on Thursday claimed the life of two-year-old Preston Ordone, known as the “Okay Baby” on TikTok, according to Louisiana State Police.
Preston’s parents, Katelynn, 25, and Jaelan Ordone, 27, were seriously injured in the crash, which occurred shortly before noon on Interstate 12 in St. Tammany Parish. The preliminary investigation indicates that their 2011 Ford F-150 veered off the road and struck a tree.
Authorities reported that Preston was “improperly restrained” in his child safety seat and later died in the hospital. Louisiana State Police stressed the importance of proper restraint use, emphasizing that seat belts and child safety seats can significantly reduce the risk of injury or death in an accident.
However, Preston’s grandfather, Glen Norris, disputed the police statement, telling the New Orleans Advocate that a witness at the scene claimed the toddler’s car seat was properly secured. Norris called the police report “hurtful and painful.”
In response, the police acknowledged the difficulty of releasing such information, but stated it was necessary to inform the public and raise awareness about safety. “Our goal is never to add to the pain but to fulfill our responsibility in this age of information,” they said.
Katelynn Ordone, who has over 400,000 followers on TikTok, had shared videos of Preston in 2023. The toddler, often seen in overalls, became a viral sensation as fans affectionately dubbed him the “Okay Baby” after he responded “OK” in a sweet but mischievous manner to his mom’s requests.
Family members updated Katelynn’s TikTok account on Sunday, revealing that Katelynn had suffered multiple broken bones and Jaelan had undergone emergency surgery. The family’s 7-year-old daughter, Paisley, was not in the car during the crash.
A GoFundMe page for medical expenses has raised over $30,000 as of Monday. The page describes Preston as a joyful and beloved figure who touched many hearts with his online videos. His sudden passing has left a deep impact on his family and the community that followed him.
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