An investigation into the death of 2-year-old TikTok star Preston Ordone, known as “Okay Baby,” is ongoing — and already being disputed by a member of the child’s family.
News broke on Sunday, April 27, that Preston died in a single-vehicle car crash. Family friends of Preston’s parents, Katelynn and Jaelan Ordone, relayed the news that the couple was also in the car with their son at the time of the accident. Their 7-year-old daughter, Paisley, was at school and not in the vehicle.
“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.”
The family friends noted that they know Preston, who they said had a “huge impact” on the online community, is “in heaven right now.”
“He made people smile and laugh. I know you guys look forward to seeing him every day, and I know in heaven right now, if there’s mud in heaven, he probably has found it and is jumping and dancing in it,” they said. “Running up and down the streets of gold in his overalls. He probably has golden overalls.”
Preston rose to parenting TikTok fame in August 2024, when he would reply with a cheery, “OK” to his parents’ rules before hilariously defying them.
Scroll down for everything to know about the investigation:
Did Katelynn and Jaelan Ordone Sustain Injuries in the Car Accident?
The family friends shared on Sunday that the parents of Preston and Paisley 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.”
Three days later, Katelynn confirmed via Instagram that she suffered severe concussions and has “no memory of the accident.”
A GoFundMe has since been created to fund medical expenses for Katelynn and Jaelan.
“Katelynn and Jaelan are now facing a long road to recovery, both physically and emotionally. The medical expenses, coupled with the overwhelming grief of losing their child, have placed an immense burden on them,” the page read. “We are reaching out to ask for your support during this incredibly challenging time. Your donations will go directly towards covering Katelynn and Jaelan’s medical bills and associated expenses as they heal from their injuries and navigate life without their precious son.”
What Has the Louisiana State Police Said About the Investigation?
The Louisiana State Police addressed the investigation via Facebook on Thursday, 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,” 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, the authorities reported that Preston
“was seated in the rear, but improperly restrained in a child safety seat.” The ongoing investigation will include a routine toxicology test of 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,” 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.”
What Has the Family Said About the Investigation?
Preston and Paisley’s grandfather Glen Norris disagreed with the Louisiana State Police, sharing in a statement that the toddler was properly restrained in his carseat. Norris told Nola.com that he spoke with the witness who removed Preston from the vehicle and claimed he was properly restrained.
Norris added that Katelynn, Jaelan and Preston were headed home from a doctors’ appointment at the time of the accident.
Has Preston’s Cause of Death Been Released?
Us Weekly confirmed in May that Preston died from “blunt force injuries due to a motor vehicle crash.” The St. Tammany Parish coroner’s office also noted that his death was categorized as accidental.
What Has Katelynn Ordone Said About the Accident?
In a May 14 social media post, Katelynn shared “the most accurate information” she has about the accident.
“According to the vehicle’s black box data, the vehicle was traveling at 70 mph before decelerating and making a right turn, impacting at approximately 60 mph,” she wrote via Instagram. “Preston was properly secured in a two-piece, 360-degree car seat positioned behind the passenger seat.”
Katelynn explained that her son was “removed from the vehicle still securely fastened and brought to the side of the road by bystanders — this occurred before any emergency vehicle arrived at the scene.”
As for what caused the accident, there are no confirmed details, but Katelynn said it is “believed to have been the result of a medical emergency, which is consistent with the vehicle’s deceleration and steering behavior.”
