My Son Died on His Way To Get a Haircut, His Final Text Changed Everything

On July 18, 2025, my son Tristan had his 16th birthday, and it was my ex-husband Rico's turn to have the kids. We all met up for Laniya's birthday dinner, and Tristan seemed quiet. I remember feeling a heaviness in my heart, but I couldn't pinpoint the reason. After dinner, I kissed Tristan and Laniya goodnight, and they went home with their dad. I headed to Cleveland for a comedy show, arriving in the evening and going straight to bed.

The next morning, July 19, I woke up with an anxious feeling. At 4:28 p.m., Tristan called me asking to send him money for a haircut. He was supposed to meet a hairdresser to get his hair cut, which he couldn't due to the tragic events that unfolded. I sent him the money, feeling frustrated and wishing I could have spent more time with him. Panic set in, and I put my phone on do not disturb to try to rest before the comedy show later that day.

Later that evening, an emergency worker called to inform me that my husband and children were involved in a car crash. At first, I feared Laniya was injured, as she was being taken to a trauma center. I assumed Tristan was fine as he was taken to a local hospital. However, it was later revealed that Tristan was only taken to a local hospital because he wouldn't have made it to a further one. He succumbed to his injuries, and I had a five-hour drive back to Kentucky to be with my family.