Preston Ordone, the 2-year-old boy who became a viral sensation on TikTok as “Okay Baby,” has died following a car accident in Louisiana. According to a report by Just Jared, the incident occurred on Thursday, April 24, when Preston was in a 2011 Ford F-150 with his family. His parents, Katelynn and Jaelan Ordone, suffered severe injuries and remain hospitalised.
Viral TikTok star “Okay Baby,” Preston Ordone, died in a car accident on April 24.(Representational image/Unsplash)
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Disputing the police report
Following the tragic accident, the Louisiana State Police issued a statement, stating that Preston was improperly restrained in his car seat, while the two front-seat passengers were wearing seatbelts. However, Preston’s grandfather, Glen Norris, has disputed this claim. Speaking to Nola.com from Lakeview Hospital, where Katelynn and Jaelan are recovering, Norris explained that the child was properly secured in his car seat.
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“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,” the Louisiana State Police said in its statement on Facebook.
In a phone interview and on Facebook, Preston’s grandfather clarified that the family was on their way home from a doctor’s appointment when the accident occurred, and their daughter Paisley was not in the vehicle at the time.
He said that Preston was properly restrained, disputing the police report.
A heartbreaking farewell
Preston’s family shared the devastating news with their followers on social media, where they had previously documented their everyday life. In an emotional video posted on Katelynn Ordone’s account, described as “Just an Ordone-ary Family,” two of their loved ones expressed the depth of their grief.
“This is the hardest post we could possibly make, finding words is still so hard,” the message began. “We hope that you can help our family in any way possible in this hard time. It still feels so unreal… All your prayers, love, and support is needed and appreciated. Thank you. #OkayBabyForever.”
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They went on to explain the details of the accident, revealing that the family’s truck veered off the interstate and struck a tree. “Katelynn, Jaelan, and Preston were involved in an accident. Paisley was at school and was not in the vehicle,” they shared. “We don’t know all the details yet, but unfortunately Preston didn’t make it.”
Watch the clip here:
Injuries and recovery
The loved ones continued, describing the extent of Katelynn and Jaelan’s injuries. “Katelynn has multiple broken bones and a severe concussion. She walked for the first time today. Jaelan had to have emergency surgery on one of his legs, with rods and pins now in place. They’re both at different hospitals.”
They also reflected on Preston’s impact, saying, “Preston had made a huge impact on all of you guys. He made people smile and laugh. In heaven right now, if there’s mud, he’s probably jumping and dancing in it.”
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Newlab New Orleans is deepening its energy-tech ambitions with a new partnership alongside JERA, Japan’s largest power generator, to accelerate next-generation carbon capture solutions for heavy industries across Louisiana and the Gulf Coast, The Center Square writes.
The collaboration brings JERA Ventures into Newlab’s public-private innovation hub, where startups gain access to lab space and high-end machinery to commercialize technologies aimed at cutting emissions and improving industrial efficiency.
The move builds momentum as Newlab prepares to open its fifth global hub next fall at the former Naval Support Activity site, adding New Orleans to a network that includes Riyadh and Detroit. JERA’s footprint in Louisiana is already growing—from a joint venture on CF Industries’ planned $4 billion low-carbon ammonia plant to investments in solar generation and Haynesville shale assets—positioning the company as a significant player in the state’s clean-energy transition.
Federal immigration authorities are keeping a tight lid on key details as “Catahoula Crunch” closes its first week in southeast Louisiana, Verite writes.
The operation—one of Department of Homeland Security’s largest recent urban crackdowns—began with raids at home-improvement stores and aims for 5,000 arrests, according to plans previously reviewed by the Associated Press. While DHS publicly highlighted arrests of immigrants with violent criminal records, AP data shows fewer than one-third of the 38 detainees in the first two days had prior convictions.
Meanwhile, advocacy groups report widespread fear in Hispanic communities, with residents avoiding hospitals, schools, workplaces and even grocery stores amid sightings of federal agents.
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Business impacts are already visible: restaurants and Hispanic-serving corridors like Broad Street appear unusually quiet, with staff shortages forcing menu cuts and temporary closures. School absenteeism has doubled in Jefferson Parish, and protests have spread across New Orleans and surrounding suburbs as local leaders demand transparency around federal tactics.
BATON ROUGE, La. (Louisiana First) — The Louisiana State Police is opening its doors throughout December, hosting open house events aimed at giving potential applicants a closer look at what it takes to become a state trooper.
Troop leaders said the goal is to recruit men and women who are prepared for the demands of the job and committed to serving their communities.
Troop A Public Information Officer Shelby Mayfield said the open houses are designed to make the application process more accessible.
“One of the reasons we generated these open houses was to allow our applicants to come in and get a look inside the troop, meet some state troopers from across the troop area, and ask whatever questions they may have to the recruiters who are present,” Mayfield said.
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Along with information sessions, Mayfield said the events help future applicants better understand the daily responsibilities of law enforcement and the mindset troopers are expected to bring to the job.
“We want to make sure that that trooper knows how important officer safety is,” he said. “But more importantly, we want to make sure they go out there with a pure heart.”
The Louisiana State Police Training Academy is known for its rigorous curriculum that prepares cadets for real-world situations. From crash investigations to communication skills, instructors focus on developing well-rounded troopers who can serve safely and effectively.
Mayfield said applicants must be ready for a variety of interactions, not just emergencies.
“Not everything is going to be a high-intensity, rapidly evolving situation,” he said. “You need to be able to deal with the public to accomplish your job, and that’s why we preach not just getting the job done, but being able to relate to the public so you can meet their needs.”
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The application deadline for Cadet Class 109 is Jan. 6, 2026. Mayfield encourages anyone who feels called to the profession to take the next step.
“If this is something you genuinely have in your heart to do, reach out to somebody when it’s convenient for you,” he said. “Even if you miss a deadline, never give up because it’s never too late.”
Open house events will continue throughout the month at troop locations across Louisiana. More information on Cadet Class 109 and the application process is available on the Louisiana State Police website.
