Kaidan Marley Coke.Photo:Damien Coke/GoFundMe
Damien Coke/GoFundMe
Coke went underneath the vehicle, which “was backed into a parking space,” to retrieve the ball, the LSP said. The driver, who was “unaware that Coke had crawled under” the truck, then began to pull out of the space and struck the boy.
The Bienville Parish Coroner’s Office pronounced him dead at the scene.
Police believe the driver of the Ram, who was not injured and has not been identified, was’t intoxicated at the time of the crash, though samples were collected for testing.
The crash remains under investigation.
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In the aftermath of his death, family members created aGoFundMe campaignto raise funds for Kaidan’s cremation, funeral service, and headstone.
“Kaidan was silly and filled with joy and we want him to be remembered properly,” his brother Damien wrote in a message. “He was seven years old and had so much love and joy to spread.”
As of publication on Tuesday afternoon, more than $6,000 has been raised.
“This is just so hard on us because, you know, we loved him," Kaidan’s aunt, Tonie Gibson, said while speaking with CBS affiliateKSLA. “He was a good kid, and he loved playing with his ball.”
This is the fourth fatal crash that Troop G of the LSP has investigated in 2024, according to the agency.
The LSP listed a number of safety measures individuals can take to “greatly reduce the risk of tragic crashes” as warmer months approach, meaning more people — especially children — will be outside.
Drivers are encouraged to walk around their vehicles “and thoroughly check the surrounding area before reversing.” They are also told not to “solely” rely on detection devices, which “may not always be foolproof.”
Meanwhile, children are encouraged to “stand to the side of the driveway or sidewalk so they are clearly visible” to drivers who are looking to pull out of a parking space. Extra precautions should be taken “when driving through residential areas,” as well.
Most importantly, the LSP emphasized informing children about “the importance of never playing near or around cars and trucks.”
“By following these safety tips, we can all play a role in preventing tragic crashes and keeping our communities safe,” the LSP said.
source: people.com
