Niamh Shackleton
A two-year-old TikTok star has died in a car crash.
Preston Ordone, best known as 'Okay Baby' to TikTok fans, was involved in a collision on April 24, alongside his parents, Katelynn and Jaelan Ordone.
It's reported that the Louisiana family's 2011 Ford F-150 veered off the I-12 for an unknown reason, ultimately crashing into a tree.
Katelynn and Jaelan have been left with serious injuries following the crash, while their two-year-old son died in the ordeal.
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The couple have another child, Paisley, who was at school at the time of the crash.
Speaking after the sad incident, Louisiana State Police said in a Facebook post: "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."
But Preston's grandfather Glen Norris has refuted police's claims that the toddler wasn't restrained properly, reports NOLA.com.
Glen says he's spoken to witnesses of the heartbreaking crash and the person who removed Preston from the family's car. They claim he was properly restrained in his car seat.
With this in mind, the grieving grandfather branded police's remarks as 'hurtful and painful'.
Elsewhere, people commented on the Louisiana State Police's Facebook post and questioned if it was necessary to share the details that Preston was allegedly 'improperly restrained'.
The department has since responded to this and insisted that its goal in sharing such posts is 'never to add to the pain'.
"Louisiana State Police carries a significant, often difficult, responsibility to the residents of our state to be transparent and honest about what is happening in our communities in a timely manner," police's response began. "While there are certain details we may not be able to share due to legal or operational constraints, we make every effort to provide enough information to help people stay informed about matters that may affect them and their communities."
It continued: "We do not do this with the intention of causing embarrassment, anguish, or anger. Our goal is never to add to the pain, but rather to fulfill our responsibility in this age of information. The Louisiana State Police must, when legally required, provide answers to the media and the public, ensuring transparency and accountability in the process."
A GoFundMe page has been created for the family. Money raised will go towards Katelynn and Jaelan's medical bills.
On the fundraising page, it was said that Preston passing has left a 'profound void in the lives of his parents and the community that cherished him'.
If you have experienced a bereavement and would like to speak with someone in confidence, contact The Compassionate Friends on (877) 969-0010.