Mother killed, baby injured, when tree limb falls on playground

A 16-year-old Polk County mother was killed Friday when a tree limb fell on her and her young son.

LaRena Drayton was killed in Peek Park when the limb fell while she and 1-year-old Jeremiah Drayton were sitting on a park bench.

According to LaRena’s sister, the young mom had just moved her son from the baby swings to a park bench when they heard “something crack.”

She says, LaRena tried to run with Jeremiah in her arms but they weren’t fast enough.

LaRena was knocked unconscious and later died while Jeremiah was flown to Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta in Sandy Springs with a skull fracture.

Cedartown Parks and Recreation said in a statement,

“Our hearts have been heavy since learning of the tragic accident at Peek Park. The passing of Miss Drayton has left our city saddened and we grieve alongside the family for a life that was undoubtedly cut short. We continue to pray for the recovery of Miss Drayton’s young son who was seriously injured in the accident. We ask that everyone keep the entire family in your thoughts and prayers during this difficult time.”

A spokesperson for the department says it is investigating why the tree limb fell but that right now it looks like a healthy tree and a freak accident.