Tragic Death of 2-Year-Old TikTok Star ‘Okay Baby’ in Car Accident
The Ordone family has released a statement following the tragic loss of their 2-year-old son, Preston Ordone, known on TikTok as “Okay Baby,” who died in a single-vehicle accident.
On Sunday, April 27, friends shared a video on Katelynn Ordone’s popular TikTok account, which revealed that both Katelynn and Jaelan Ordone were in the car with Preston at the time of the incident.
Their daughter, Paisley, who often appeared in their popular TikTok videos, was at school during the accident and was not present in the vehicle.
“We don’t have all the details yet,” family friend Brielle stated. “Their truck veered off the interstate to the right and hit a tree, and unfortunately, Preston didn’t survive.”
Though Preston was just a toddler, he became a well-known figure on his mother’s TikTok, gaining popularity as “Okay Baby” in August 2024 when he humorously resisted his parents’ demands while enjoying a day at the pool.
@kate_ordone Replying to @Angel 🇵🇼🫶🏽 we’re still trying to figure out what okay means to him 🤣 #adrenalinejunkies #kidtok #daredeviledit
On Sunday, friends reported that the toddler’s parents “are severely injured,” explaining, “Katelynn has multiple broken bones and suffered a severe concussion. She took her first steps today. Jaelan underwent emergency surgery on one of his legs, which now has rods and pins. They are currently in separate hospitals.”
After acknowledging the “huge impact” Preston had on the TikTok community, they expressed, “We believe Preston is in heaven now.”
“He brought joy and laughter to many. I know you all looked forward to seeing him daily, and I can imagine him in heaven, finding mud and jumping in it, running around in golden overalls on the streets of gold.”
@kate_ordone He indeed was NOT careful…. #LiveOutlandish #kidtok #toddlersoftiktok #toddlerboys #adrenalinejunkies #daredeviledit #fyp #trending
The video statement comes just a few days after the Louisiana State Police issued a release on their Facebook page on Thursday, April 24.
“Shortly before 11:50 a.m., Troopers from Louisiana State Police Troop L responded to a single-vehicle incident 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 statement read. “The preliminary investigation suggests that a 2011 Ford F-150 traveling eastbound on I-12 veered off the roadway for reasons still under investigation, colliding with a tree.”
The Louisiana State Police confirmed that the driver and front passenger “were both properly restrained” and “sustained serious injuries.”
However, reports indicate that Preston “was seated in the rear but improperly restrained in a child safety seat.” An investigation is ongoing, including a routine toxicology report on the driver.
The police provided a reminder to drivers and passengers: “The Louisiana State Police emphasizes that proper use of restraints dramatically reduces the risk of severe injury or death in an accident. Louisiana law mandates that all occupants, regardless of seating position, must be properly restrained at all times. Correct usage of seat belts and child safety seats can make a critical difference in survival. Parents and caregivers unsure about their child’s car seat installation are encouraged to visit any Louisiana State Police Troop or reach out to the Louisiana Highway Safety Commission to find the nearest fitting station. Ensuring proper installation and use of car seats and booster seats is essential for preventing injuries and saving lives.”
Preston’s grandfather, Glen Norris, has contested the Louisiana State Police report in a statement shared with Nola.com, claiming that Preston was securely restrained in his car seat. Norris noted that he spoke with a witness who removed Preston from the vehicle, asserting that the toddler was indeed properly secured. He mentioned that Katelynn, Jaelan, and Preston were returning home from a doctor’s appointment when the accident occurred.
The state police later clarified, “Our intention is never to add to the family’s grief but to fulfill our duty in this information age.”
