Background: The home on Spartan Loop in Slidell, Louisiana, where the child was killed (WWL/YouTube). Inset: Kristen Anders (Slidell Police Department).
In a tragic incident in eastern Louisiana, a young boy lost his life while waiting for his school bus when his grandmother accidentally struck him with her SUV. The unfortunate event unfolded as the grandmother, Kristen Anders, aged 55, was leaving her driveway, unaware that her grandson was in the vehicle’s path.
Kristen Anders now faces charges of vehicular homicide in connection with her grandson’s death, as confirmed by the Slidell Police Department on Monday. Investigations suggest that Anders was impaired at the time of the accident, leading to the fatal oversight.
The incident occurred at approximately 7 a.m. on Monday at the family’s residence located on the 300 block of Spartan Loop in Slidell, about 30 miles northeast of New Orleans. The 5-year-old boy was patiently waiting for his school bus when the tragic accident happened.
Positioned in front of his grandmother’s 2016 GMC Yukon, a large SUV backed into the driveway, the boy may have been seated. Without realizing his presence, Anders moved the vehicle forward, resulting in an immediate fatal accident, as reported by the police.
According to authorities, Anders was preparing to leave for work and was not aware that her grandson was outside. She halted the vehicle only after sensing she had run over something. Upon their arrival, officers noticed signs of impairment in Anders, concluding that she was under the influence of alcohol and central nervous system depressants.
Slidell Police Chief Daniel Seuzeneau described the incident as “very tragic,” highlighting the dual heartbreak of a lost child and a family member facing serious charges. He emphasized that it seems very likely that Anders was unaware of her grandson’s presence in front of the SUV.
“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.”
“I spoke with the victim’s mother several times today, and 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,” the police chief added.
After the collision, a neighbor heard screams and cries for help and called 911, local Fox affiliate WVUE reported. The child was later identified as Carson Lawson. The investigation is ongoing.
