Thoughts and prayers are in order for the family of comedian Tony Baker. His son and two other young adults were killed earlier this week after an alleged street racer crashed into their vehicles in Burbank, California.
In a press release on Wednesday, August 4, Burbank police said that on Tuesday night, 21-year-old Cerain Baker, 20-year-old Jaiden Johnson, and 19-year old Natalee Moghaddam, and another unidentified occupant were ejected from their silver Volkswagen when the car was struck by two other vehicles that were allegedly street racing.
According to the Los Angeles County medical examiner-coroner, Cerain, Jaiden, and Natalee died accidentally of “multiple blunt force injuries.” The fourth passenger “sustained serious injuries” and was taken to a local trauma center.
Police revealed the incident took place at a Burbank intersection when the Volkswagen carrying Cerain, Jaiden, a music producer, and Natalee “was attempting to negotiate left turn from southbound Glenoaks Boulevard to eastbound Andover Drive.” The two other cars involved, a gray Kia and a black Mercedes-Benz, had been “traveling northbound on Glenoaks Boulevard at a high rate of speed for several blocks and appeared to be racing,” police said.
Baker told NBC Los Angeles that his son’s death “felt like it’s not real.” “We get waves of grief. We sob uncontrollably,” he added. On Instagram, the 44-year-old left a heartfelt message addressing the tragic news. “My Heart is Absolutely Broken Out Here On The Streets,” the text post read. “But You Best Believe I Have STILL Been Crackin Jokes.”
In the caption, Baker thanked everyone for their support and well-wishes. “Myself and My Family are overwhelmed with the love and care from friends, fans and complete strangers. I FEEL the love,” he wrote. “I see the text messages and some of the DM’s and just want you all to know that it’s appreciated. I know i am not alone and we are blessed to have soo many people to lean on, cling to and call. I loved that boy sooo much.”
He extended his love “to Jaiden & Natalee’s families as well.” The star later spoke to attendees of Wednesday’s vigil, writing, “you know that I was howling crying one minute, then crackin jokes the next.”
Fans and friends sent Baker words of encouragement during this tough moment, including fellow funnyman Kev on Stage, who wrote: “Love you Tony! I know we’ve both bonded over our mutual love for Anita Baker. But we’ve become friends as well. ❤️❤️❤️.”
Actress Tabitha Brown commented, “Love you Tony. Praying for your family❤️.”
“Sending so much love and prayers to you and the family 🙏🏾,” wrote one fan.
As of this writing, there is no word on whether any arrests have been made.
