- Louisiana grandmother, 55, charged with vehicular homicide.
- Police say she was impaired by alcohol and depressants.
- 5-year-old grandson killed instantly outside their home.
- Slidell Police call the case “heartbreaking” and “very tragic.”
- Tragic accident occurred while the boy waited for his school bus.
A tragic accident in eastern Louisiana has left a family devastated after a grandmother accidentally struck and killed her 5-year-old grandson while leaving for work, according to local authorities.
The Slidell Police Department said 55-year-old Kristen Anders has been charged with vehicular homicide in connection with the death of her grandson, identified as Carson Lawson. Investigators believe Anders was under the influence of alcohol and central nervous system depressants at the time of the incident.
Police said the accident occurred around 7 a.m. Monday outside a home on the 300 block of Spartan Loop in Slidell, about 30 miles northeast of New Orleans. The child was reportedly waiting for his school bus in the driveway when the fatal collision occurred.
According to authorities, the boy was sitting or standing in front of his grandmother’s 2016 GMC Yukon, which had been backed into the driveway. Anders was preparing to leave for work when she drove forward, striking the child, “who was killed instantly,” police said.
Anders reportedly stopped the vehicle after realizing she had run over something but told police she did not know the child was outside at the time. Officers arriving at the scene observed that Anders showed signs of impairment, prompting further investigation and testing.
Slidell Police Chief Daniel Seuzeneau described the case as “very tragic,” emphasizing that the tragedy has deeply affected first responders and the community.
“This is any parent’s worst nightmare,” Seuzeneau said. “This greatly affects all of us. We all have kids or grandkids around this age, the first responders who were there, and to witness this … so it’s hard for all of us.”
He added that he had spoken with the victim’s mother several times, saying, “there isn’t anything that I can say to make her feel any better or make this situation better. All we can do is pray for peace.”
A neighbor reportedly heard screams for help after the crash and called 911, according to WVUE Fox 8. Police confirmed that the investigation remains ongoing as authorities continue to review toxicology results and evidence from the scene.
