Delivery drivers have united throughout social media to pay tribute to somewhat woman killed by considered one of their very own—with many vowing that kids are protected on their routes.
As America reels from the horrific kidnap and homicide of seven-year-old Athena Strand, who was snatched by FedEx driver Tanner Horner after he dropped off her Christmas presents at her house, different staff on the firm have flocked on-line to air their rage and grief.
Variations of the phrase “your babies are safe on my route” went viral as supply drivers filmed themselves at work of their vehicles to take a stand.
The development caught on and drivers from different companies, corresponding to Amazon and UPS, joined in. Most of the movies had been uploaded to TikTok or Twitter, whereas compilations of the clips, usually set to music and interspersed with photographs of little Athena, had been shared hundreds of occasions on-line.
One such TikTok compilation was watched 5.5 million occasions by viewers.
Ashley Creed, a mom-of-three who works for a supply firm and uploaded the 25-second footage, later wrote: “Yall turned my tiktok into a trend and it has been the most HUMBLING thing I have ever seen. 🥺 Everyone is honoring Athena in the most respectful way, and reminding their neighbors that we’re watching. 💕 My team gathered together this morning in the shape of an A for Athena, to continue spreading love and hope for our communities in her memory. #athenapresleymonroestrand #sayhername #amazonprime #UPS #FedEx #USPS #yourbabiesaresafeonmyroute.”
Some 11,000 individuals wrote a remark beneath the video, with the overwhelming majority saying how moved that they had been by it, with a number of saying that they had been delivered to tears.
Many stated they had been supply drivers and affirmed that kids had been protected round them, whereas others had been dad and mom who had been shocked by the tragedy. One wrote: “As a mom & constantly ordering [online], it broke my heart that I’m now fearful of the delivery drivers! This post means more than you know. THANKYOU.” Another viewer added: “It’s so heart warming to watch.”
Texas Department of Public Safety
Athena was taken from the driveway of her house in Paradise, Texas, on November 30. Her mom, Maitlyn Gandy, later revealed the driving force had been there as a result of he was delivering a field of Barbie dolls for Athena.
The kid’s physique was discovered two days later and Horner admitted killing her. He claimed he had first by accident hit her together with his truck and, though she wasn’t significantly injured, he “panicked” and drove off together with her. He tried to interrupt her neck after which strangled her behind his van, he informed horrified police.
Athena, who reportedly loved attending historic re-enactments together with her father, was given a “Viking princess” funeral on Friday.
Meanwhile, additional particulars have continued to emerge about Horner, together with stories that he had beforehand been accused of rape a number of years in the past, though he was by no means charged.
The contracting firm that employed Horner, Dallas-based Big Topspin Inc., hasn’t but publicly revealed particulars about his employment historical past or the procedures that he had undergone to get the job.