Parents outraged by homey prison life for driver who killed their son: 'How is this justice?'

A grieving family says Colorado law let a texting driver off easy and failed their son, who was killed while crossing the street.

In August 2023, the Stratton family’s world was turned upside down when their 10-year-old son, Oliver, affectionately known as “Ollie,” tragically lost his life after being hit by a driver who was texting at the wheel.

“She was texting while driving on that day that she killed our son,” Clarissa Stratton told Fox News Digital. 

“One text message nearly every 22 seconds for over a half hour on repeat,” she said.

The parents said that they would continue to fight for other children in Oliver’s honor.

In response, they established Oliver’s Bike Parade, a nonprofit organization dedicated to ensuring safer streets for everyone. They achieve this through community education, legislative advocacy, and honoring victims like Ollie.

Ollie’s memory lives on with his parents, Rod and Clarissa Stratton, and his three siblings: Caily (15), Grayson (14), and Alex (6). (Photo courtesy of the Stratton family)

Oliver was the Strattons’ third child in the close-knit family of six.

Clarissa said her son was “smart, funny, kind, energetic, enthusiastic, and really, really silly.”

“Ollie was nice to everyone, even those who were mean to him… they don’t make them quite like Ollie Kane.”

— Clarissa Stratton, Oliver’s mother

His father, Rod, told Fox News Digital that stories from his memorial service illustrated his kindness. One boy, he said, recalled how the 10-year-old noticed he had stopped participating in recess races because he always lost foot races. 

Ollie offered to practice running with him every day “so he could improve,” Rod said.

“Ollie left a lasting impact on everyone who knew him,” Clarissa said.

Fox News Digital has reached out to the Larimer County Sheriff’s Office for comment.

You May Also Like

Powerball: Winning ticket drawn in New Jersey for $847 million jackpot

$847 Million Powerball Jackpot Won by Ticket Sold in New Jersey

A single Powerball ticket sold in New Jersey matched all six numbers…
Iowa Democrat Eric Armstrong wins state House race despite dropping out in September

Iowa Democrat Eric Armstrong Wins State House Race Despite Withdrawing in September

Democrats appear to have found a way to win—even after leaving the…
California man Vito, 97, dies at birthday party moments after dancing to Bee Gees’ ‘Stayin’ Alive’

California’s Vito, 97, Dies After Dancing to Bee Gees’ Stayin’ Alive

A 97-year-old California man died at his own birthday party moments after…
New Jersey pre-K aide faces 61 charges, accused of filming himself sexually assaulting students at school

New Jersey Pre-K Aide Charged in Alleged Filmed Sexual Assaults

New Jersey school aide charged with 61 child sex crimes Shaun Stebbins,…
US Marine dies in training incident at Japan military base, officials say

US Marine Killed in Training Incident at Japan Military Base

Four fallen US service members honored at Dover Air Force Base Fox…
Cops return to New Jersey mother's home months after she was found stabbed and husband called 911

Police Return to New Jersey Mother’s Home Months After Fatal Stabbing, Husband’s 911 Call

Neighbors of Brooke Hanlon told News Outlet that at least 15 law-enforcement…
17 years after Fort Hood massacre, victims' families grapple with gunman's looming execution

17 Years After Fort Hood Massacre, Families Face Gunman’s Execution

U.S. Army soldiers salute their fallen comrades during the III Corps and…
New Hampshire poet Stephen Redic arrested for slapping Turning Point teen outside polling place

NH Poet Stephen Redic Arrested Over Turning Point Teen Slap

New Hampshire police arrested a 70-year-old poet who allegedly slapped a Turning…
Intoxicated former judge unloads gun at trick-or-treaters, points piece at cop: police

Former Judge Allegedly Fires Gun at Trick-or-Treaters, Points It at Officer While Intoxicated: Police

A former Oklahoma judge allegedly fired a gun toward a group of…
Tampa Citibank shooting bodycam footage shows hunt for gunman

Tampa Citibank Shooting: Bodycam Footage Shows Hunt for Gunman

Newly released body-camera footage captures the moment Florida deputies entered Citibank’s campus…
California’s biggest election loser is Dave Regan, union boss who blew $47M on two failed ballot props

California Union Leader Dave Regan Spent $47M on Two Failed Ballot Measures

Labor leader Dave Regan’s campaign to tax California billionaires ended in a…
Inglewood Mayor James Butts storms out of interview as reelection hangs by a thread

Inglewood Mayor James Butts Walks Out of Interview as Reelection Race Tightens

Inglewood Mayor James Butts abruptly ended an interview with a Los Angeles…