A Louisiana mother is speaking out through heartbreaking grief after her 5-year-old son was struck and killed in what police say was a drunk-driving incident involving his own grandmother.

The tragedy happened the morning of November 11th in Slidell, Louisiana. Police say little Carson Lawson was standing in the family’s driveway waiting for his school bus when his grandmother, 55-year-old Kristen Anders, got into her 2016 GMC Yukon. The SUV had been backed into the driveway, and as Anders drove forward to leave for work, she allegedly didn’t realize Carson was standing in front of the vehicle and fatally ran him over.

A preliminary investigation found that Anders “exhibited signs of impairment,” and officers say she was allegedly under the influence of alcohol and central nervous system depressants. She was arrested at the scene and later booked into the St. Tammany Parish Jail on a charge of vehicular homicide. Her bail was set at $50,000.

For Carson’s parents, the loss is almost too much to bear. His mother, Abi Combs, and father, Ryan Lawson, shared an emotional message on Facebook the day after the accident. “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 on Nov. 12. “His unexpected death and the way he went was the most traumatic and devastating scenario I have ever had to endure.”

She described herself as “devastated and completely broken,” adding, “I will never be the same.” Combs shared more than a dozen photos of her smiling little boy, remembering the joy he brought into their lives. “Carson knew how much we loved him,” she said.

The family is now preparing for services in two locations—one in Slidell, where Carson lived, and another in Jonesboro, Georgia, so loved ones in both states can say their goodbyes. Relatives and friends have also created a Meal Train and GoFundMe to help support the grieving family as they navigate the days ahead.

Slidell Police Chief Daniel Seuzeneau said he personally visited the scene and called the tragedy every parent’s worst nightmare. “Not only did they lose their precious 5-year-old child, they’re also having to deal with the fact that the grandmother is now under arrest for this incident,” he said, noting how deeply the case has affected responding officers.

Combs says she is grateful for the prayers and support but admits she feels uncertain about how to move forward. “When everyone asks me if I need anything during this time, I truly do not know what to say… I don’t know what to do or really what comes next,” she wrote.

As the investigation continues, the community is rallying around a heartbroken family trying to make sense of a tragedy that changed their lives forever.