Father is grappling with an overwhelming loss after his 14-year-old son tragically died in a car crash while returning home from a spring break getaway. The devastating incident, which also left the boy’s sister seriously injured, occurred on April 4 as the family was driving back from North Carolina to the Chicago area.
Jordan Thomas Laskowski, a promising teen who was set to play high school football, was ejected from the vehicle during the crash on Interstate 65 in Lebanon. His 12-year-old sister, Riley, was also thrown from the vehicle and is now recovering in the hospital. Thankfully, their younger sister Gracie, just 8 years old, along with their mother and grandmother, escaped without injuries.
According to the Lebanon Police Department, the family’s car had been experiencing mechanical issues prior to the crash. Detective Sergeant Justin Fuston shared that the mother, Taylor Kammes, 35, had been dealing with problems with the vehicle for weeks before the tragic event occurred. The investigation into the cause of the malfunction is ongoing.
Jordan’s father, Scott, was not in the car at the time of the crash, but his grief is palpable. In a heart-wrenching tribute shared on Facebook, he expressed the deep pain of not being able to say goodbye to his son: “I never got to say goodbye to my son. He was my best friend, and everyone knew that. I was so excited to watch him play high school football this year. Everything just ripped away.”
The bond between Scott and Jordan was inseparable, strengthened by their shared love for sports, music, and especially their passion for the Dallas Cowboys. “Together, they cheered on their team, and it’s a memory Scott will cherish forever,” a GoFundMe organizer shared.
Jordan’s legacy as a loving big brother and protector to his sisters lives on in the hearts of those who knew him. The family has since raised over $60,000 on GoFundMe to support them during this difficult time.
In the midst of this sorrow, the GoFundMe page reminds everyone to appreciate the loved ones around them: “Please take a moment to hug your children, tell the people you love how much they matter, and cherish every moment with them.”
