Katelynn Ordone is mourning the loss of son Preston, known as “Okay Baby” online, after his death at age 2.
“Hey guys, this is Katelynn. I am Preston’s mom, and I wanted to try to come on here and give y’all an update, because I have been hearing about all the love and the support that y’all have been giving, and it means so much to us in a time like this,” Ordone said via Instagram on Tuesday, April 29. “Just a little bit of a story, I don’t even know how I’m gonna put this video together.”
Katelynn explained that she was discharged from the hospital on Monday, April 28, while her husband, Jaelan Ordone, remains in the hospital following the single-vehicle car crash that caused the toddler’s death. The family is staying at an AirBnb close to her husband to be able to see him.
“I think we all are trying … none of us really understand why or how this could happen, but y’all’s 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,” she said while becoming visibly emotional. “But I’m still seeing some things in here, how much you’ll love them, and it means a lot.”
The caption read, “It’s very hard for me to gather my thoughts right now but I really wanted everyone to know I truly appreciate the support during this incredibly difficult time. #okaybaby #preston.”
Katelynn also shared a touching video of Preston before his death via her Instagram Story on Wednesday, April 30, with the caption, “I’ll never understand why God took you from me. I will miss you and love you for the rest of my life.”
The Ordone family rose to TikTok fame in August 2024. Preston became known as the “Okay Baby” for cheerfully replying to his parents before hilariously defying their rules.
Family friends of Katelynn and Jaelan broke the news of Preston’s death on Sunday, April 27. Preston’s parents were also in the car at the time of the accident, which took place while their 7-year-old daughter, Paisley, was at school.
“We don’t know all the details yet,” family friend Brielle began. “Their truck veered to the right off the interstate and struck a tree and unfortunately, Preston didn’t make it.”
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The family friends shared that Katelyn and Jaelan are “severely injured,” adding, “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 in them, pins in them. They’re both at different hospitals.”
Days earlier, the Louisiana State Police addressed the accident via Facebook on Thursday, April 24, sharing that they are conducting an investigation, which will include a routine toxicology test of the driver for analysis.
“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,” the release read. “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 police reported that the driver of the vehicle and front passenger “were both properly restrained” and “sustained serious injuries.” However, authorities claimed that Preston “was seated in the rear, but improperly restrained in a child safety seat.”
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“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,” the release read. “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.”
The state police later added in a statement, “Our goal is never to add to the pain, but rather to fulfill our responsibility in this age of information.”
Amid the ongoing investigation, Preston and Paisley’s grandfather Glen Norris disputed the Louisiana State Police’s claims. Norris told Nola.com that he spoke with the witness who removed Preston from the vehicle and alleged that the toddler was properly restrained. Norris added that Katelynn, Jaelan and Preston were headed home from a doctor’s appointment at the time of the accident.
