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Straits Times
3 days ago
- General
- Straits Times
Alligator with no tail seen crossing the road in US, and the internet can't look away
A tail-less alligator was seen slowly making its way across Highway 23 in Plaquemines Parish, Louisiana on May 20. PHOTOS: SCREENGRAB FROM ASHLYN BARTHOLOMEW/FACEBOOK Alligator with no tail seen crossing the road in US, and the internet can't look away An alligator without its long muscular tail was seen crossing a road in Louisiana, a scene many on the internet found both heartbreaking and amusing. The unfortunate reptile is seen slowly making its way across Highway 23 in Plaquemines Parish, Louisiana , in a Facebook video posted on May 20 by Ms Ashlyn Bartholomew. The video has since been shared over 8,000 times and seen in many news outlets. 'I couldn't tell at first if he was an alligator or a big dog or what,' Ms Bartholomew told local outlet 'This was the first time I ever saw an alligator without a tail.' She said she first noticed the alligator lying down on one side of the road, 'minding his own business'. She then snapped a video of the animal as it ambled to the other side of the road , and captioned it with: 'Y'all be careful there's half an alligator walking on the road.' Mr Robert Mendyk, an expert on reptiles and amphibians at the Smithsonian's National Zoological Park, told the alligator probably lost its tail due to a run-in with a boat propeller or, most likely, a rival gator. He said alligators regularly survive such amputations. 'The wound walls itself off and heals,' he said. 'They have really phenomenal healing and regenerative abilities.' He also noted that if the alligator was attacked, it was likely by a male alligator with the 'bite force' to chomp off a tail. Many of those who saw Ms Batholomew's video said they felt sorry for the tailless alligator. 'I hope he lives, poor thing! Just trying to survive in his habitat,' Ms Angel Ancar commented on Ms Bartholomew's Facebook page. Ms Tara Wilkinson said in the same thread: 'Need to contact LDWF (Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries). Poor guy probably can't swim.' Others could not help making fun of the sight of a tailless alligator. 'I guess the tail said 'see ya later, alligator',' said Ms Jaleesa Perry. Ms Ria Poirier quipped: 'That's one bad gator ok I'm laughing it looks like half gator n half dog.' There were also those with mixed feelings. 'This is not normal! This baby needs to be with a rehabber honestly but it looks so weird!' said Ms Paula Charier. Join ST's Telegram channel and get the latest breaking news delivered to you.
Hindustan Times
17-05-2025
- Hindustan Times
New Orleans woman found living with mummified body of her son for months, authorities launch investigation
Authorities in New Orleans have launched an investigation after the mummified remains of a 600-pound man were discovered inside a Lakeview home, where his mother had allegedly been living with the body for at least nine months. The woman, identified as Barbara Hainsworth, was described as a 'mentally disabled elderly woman,' according to a report by citing a citation filed with the city's Healthy Homes Administration. (Also read: Apple's Tim Cook quietly enjoys sandwiches at New Orleans restaurant without being recognised) The grim discovery was made on Thursday, May 15, when city code enforcement officers entered the residence to inspect reports of unsafe living conditions. Officials described the home as being 'filled with garbage, chickens, roosters, rats,' reported. Code enforcement officers and New Orleans Police Department (NOPD) personnel were met with shocking scenes of extreme hoarding and unsanitary conditions. Public records indicate that neighbours had filed multiple complaints over several months, citing the deteriorating state of the property and an increase in vermin, WDSU reported. Hainsworth, a former doctor who reportedly lost her medical licence approximately a decade ago, responded calmly when asked about the body inside her home. 'That's my son. He died about nine months ago,' she reportedly told officers. The deceased man, whose name has not been publicly released, was said to have suffered from multiple medical conditions, according to Hainsworth. His body was found severely decomposed and mummified. 'A Code Enforcement investigator was immediately dispatched to the property. DCE's investigation revealed horrific conditions, including the remains of a mummified male body and evidence of extreme hoarding conditions, along with mounds of trash in and around the property,' a city statement read. The Department of Code Enforcement (DCE) condemned the home as a health hazard, but officials stated that there are currently no plans for demolition. 'DCE informed its demolition contractor to be on standby to perform an assessment to clean up and remove the trash and seal the hole in the bathroom floor. The property was also scheduled to be boarded by the New Orleans Police Department (NOPD),' the statement continued. (Also read: Tesla Cybertrucks attacked and vandalised during Mardi Gras Parade in New Orleans) Just one day before the discovery, on May 6, Hainsworth was fined $6,125 and her property officially declared a public nuisance, according to WDSU. A mobile crisis unit was dispatched to evaluate her mental health. According to a report by People, she has not been arrested or charged, and the investigation remains ongoing.
West Australian
29-04-2025
- West Australian
TikTok toddler ‘Okay, Baby' dies at two years old after being ‘improperly restrained' in car seat
A two-year-old TikTok star known to fans as 'Okay, Baby' has tragically died following a car crash, leaving his family and thousands of followers grieving his sudden loss. On April 24, the Ordone family's 2011 Ford F-150 veered off the road and struck a tree, Louisiana State Police confirmed. Preston Ordone, two-years-old, who was riding in the back seat, was rushed to the hospital but sadly later died from his injuries. Police allege the toddler was 'improperly restrained' in his car seat at the time of the crash. It is believed that Preston's parents, Katelynn, 25, and Jaelen Ordone, 27, were in the front seats. Both were properly restrained and survived the crash, however, they suffered serious injuries. Family members later confirmed that Preston's younger sister, Paisley Anne, was not in the vehicle at the time. In an emotional TikTok update posted on April 27, a woman identified as Brielle shared an update on the family's behalf. Fighting back tears, she said, 'The family's truck veered to the right off the interstate and struck a tree... and unfortunately, Preston did not make it.' She added, 'Preston was removed from the vehicle and brought to the hospital, and they tried everything they could.' Brielle also revealed that 'Katelynn had suffered multiple broken bones and a severe concussion, only managing to walk again for the first time since the accident' on the day of her video update. She further explained to the family's followers that, 'Jaelen had undergone emergency surgery on one of his legs and now has rods and pins in place. Both parents remain in separate hospitals'. Followers were devastated by the news, flooding the family's social media with messages of heartbreak and support. 'I just can't believe this. I'm so heartbroken,' one user wrote. 'Such a precious life gone too soon. I can't even imagine what his family is going through. You will be so missed, precious Preston.' Another added: 'Omg, this isn't real. It can't be. I've never been so heartbroken over a family I've never met or a baby I've never held. My heart hurts.' Preston's grandfather, Glen Norris, has since disputed the police's claim that the boy was improperly restrained. Speaking to , he said a witness at the scene insisted Preston had been secured properly, calling the police statement 'hurtful and painful.' Louisiana State Police, however, have stood by their report, with Trooper Marc Gremillion telling that it remains accurate based on the current evidence. Authorities have confirmed that the cause of the crash is still under investigation.
Perth Now
29-04-2025
- Perth Now
Beloved TikTok toddler dies in tragic car crash
A two-year-old TikTok star known to fans as 'Okay, Baby' has tragically died following a car crash, leaving his family and thousands of followers grieving his sudden loss. On April 24, the Ordone family's 2011 Ford F-150 veered off the road and struck a tree, Louisiana State Police confirmed. Preston Ordone, two-years-old, who was riding in the back seat, was rushed to the hospital but sadly later died from his injuries. Police allege the toddler was 'improperly restrained' in his car seat at the time of the crash. It is believed that Preston's parents, Katelynn, 25, and Jaelen Ordone, 27, were in the front seats. Both were properly restrained and survived the crash, however, they suffered serious injuries. Family members later confirmed that Preston's younger sister, Paisley Anne, was not in the vehicle at the time. In an emotional TikTok update posted on April 27, a woman identified as Brielle shared an update on the family's behalf. Fighting back tears, she said, 'The family's truck veered to the right off the interstate and struck a tree... and unfortunately, Preston did not make it.' She added, 'Preston was removed from the vehicle and brought to the hospital, and they tried everything they could.' Brielle also revealed that 'Katelynn had suffered multiple broken bones and a severe concussion, only managing to walk again for the first time since the accident' on the day of her video update. She further explained to the family's followers that, 'Jaelen had undergone emergency surgery on one of his legs and now has rods and pins in place. Both parents remain in separate hospitals'. If you'd like to view this content, please adjust your . To find out more about how we use cookies, please see our Cookie Guide. Followers were devastated by the news, flooding the family's social media with messages of heartbreak and support. 'I just can't believe this. I'm so heartbroken,' one user wrote. 'Such a precious life gone too soon. I can't even imagine what his family is going through. You will be so missed, precious Preston.' Another added: 'Omg, this isn't real. It can't be. I've never been so heartbroken over a family I've never met or a baby I've never held. My heart hurts.' Preston's grandfather, Glen Norris, has since disputed the police's claim that the boy was improperly restrained. Speaking to he said a witness at the scene insisted Preston had been secured properly, calling the police statement 'hurtful and painful.' Louisiana State Police, however, have stood by their report, with Trooper Marc Gremillion telling that it remains accurate based on the current evidence. Authorities have confirmed that the cause of the crash is still under investigation.
The Independent
29-04-2025
- The Independent
TikTok star, 2, dies in crash as family blasts cops' ‘hurtful and painful' claim
A 2-year-old boy who had become famous on TikTok as the 'Okay Baby' has died in a car crash, police have reported. Preston Ordone of Slidell, Louisiana had gained a devoted online following for funny videos which he enthusiastically answered: "Okay!" to adults' instructions and then gaily disregarded them. On Thursday, the Louisiana State Police confirmed that he had been killed when a 2011 Ford F-150 driven by his parents, Jaelan and Katelynn Ordone, veered off I-12 for unknown reasons and crashed into a tree. But the Ordone family protested against LSP's claim that Preston had been "improperly restrained" in his child safety seat, calling it "hurtful" and untrue. Preston's grandfather Glen Norris told that the child had actually been properly restrained, citing a witness who helped remove Preston from the crashed vehicle. In a post and comment on Facebook, LSP said its goal was "never to add to the pain," but rather to "raise awareness" about how to prevent future similar deaths. "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 force said. Preston's antics had earned his mother Katelynn nearly 437,000 followers and more than 33m likes on TikTok, with videos regularly running up millions of views. The videos showed Preston joyfully running around, dancing, hiding in odd places, stomping in mud, and generally doing things he had previously assured his parents he would not do. A GoFundMe page posted by the Ordone family to pay for their medical expenses had raised around $36,000 of its $50,000 goal as of Monday evening. In a video posted to Katelynn's TikTok page on Sunday, their friends Carson and Melanie Matranga said that Katelynn had suffered multiple broken bones and a "very bad concussion", while Jaelan had emergency surgery to put rods in his legs. "Preston had made a huge impact on all you guys," said Carson Matranga. "He made people smile, laugh. I know you guys look forward to seeing him every day. "And I know that in heaven right now, if there's mud in heaven, he probably has found it, and is jumping and dancing in it... we're gonna miss him, a lot." Melanie Matranga added: "Even though this is TikTok... and even though some people might look at it as entertainment, this is truly who they were, and that was truly Preston. "What you saw on the video, and how you made you guys feel, is what he made his family feel — every single day." The couple also said that Preston's seven-year-old daughter Paisley was at school during the crash, and was not in the vehicle. In its Facebook comment, LSP said: "As fellow mothers, fathers, sisters, brothers, and members of this community, we truly understand the emotional weight of these events. Your concerns are completely valid." But it went on: "We hope we can raise awareness about actions that could potentially save lives in the future. Our hope is to reach those who may not have considered the far-reaching consequences of certain behaviors. "We understand that this stance may still be difficult for many, especially for those who are deeply affected by these tragedies. "We have learned through the years that we must balance a family's respect for privacy while fulfilling our obligation of disclosing information in a responsible manner."
