The mother of a young Louisiana boy who was allegedly struck and killed by his grandmother is sharing her heartbreak in the wake of the tragedy.
In a Facebook statement posted jointly with Ryan Lawson on Wednesday, Nov. 12, Abi Combs spoke publicly for the first time about the death of their 5-year-old son, Carson Lawson. The child was fatally struck in the family’s driveway on Tuesday morning, Nov. 11, as he waited for his school bus.
“There is absolutely nothing in this world that I could say to truly express the sorrow I will now and forever have in my heart,” Combs wrote.
She confirmed the devastating news: “Yesterday morning, my baby boy, Carson passed away. My baby boy. Is gone.”
Combs described the sudden loss and the circumstances surrounding it as “the most traumatic and devastating scenario I have ever had to endure.”
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Expressing gratitude for the support they’ve received, she added, “Carson knew how much we loved him. I am devastated and completely broken. I will never be the same and I’m asking for privacy at this time to grieve my baby who was gone way too soon.”
She noted that funeral arrangements are in progress, with plans for services in Slidell — where the incident occurred — and in Jonesboro, Ga.
“But for now, please respect our privacy as we begin our journey with mourning this devastating loss,” she continued.
Combs shared that loved ones organized a Meal Train and GoFundMe to assist the family, and said that when people ask how they can help, she often doesn’t know how to respond: “I truly do not know what to say but I appreciate the thoughts. I don’t know what to do or really what comes next.”
Her post included numerous photos of Carson throughout his early years.
During a news conference on Tuesday, the Slidell Police Department confirmed that Carson’s grandmother, 55-year-old Kristen Anders, was arrested and charged with vehicular homicide.
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Slidell Police Chief Daniel Seuzeneau said officers responded to the home around 7 a.m. After interviewing witnesses, investigators determined that Carson was waiting near the front of the vehicle when Anders got into her large SUV to leave for work. They believe she did not realize he was outside and, due to the height of the vehicle, did not see him before driving forward.
Carson died instantly.
Authorities alleged that Anders appeared impaired and subsequently tested positive for alcohol and central nervous system depressants.
“This is any parent’s worst nightmare,” Seuzeneau said. “This affects everyone. This hits home hard for all of us and all of the first responders who were at that scene.”
