Mother Charged After 18-Month-Old Daughter Fatally Run Over in Driveway Accident.

Tragic Incident Raises Questions About Child Safety, Parental Responsibility, and Family Struggles

A mother from northwest Harris County, Texas, has been charged after her 18-month-old daughter was tragically killed in a driveway accident over the weekend. The incident occurred when the toddler, Cora, wandered out of the car and was run over by her mother’s boyfriend. The heartbreaking event is drawing attention to the family’s history of child safety concerns and the mother's struggles with substance abuse.

The Fatal Incident: A Heartbreaking Accident

On Saturday, March 15, 2025, at around 12:30 p.m., Harris County Sheriff’s deputies responded to a call on Cook Road in a trailer park after an 18-month-old girl was struck and killed in the driveway. According to investigators, Cora had been in a parked car outside a trailer home with her mother, 31-year-old Morgan Ottiger, who reportedly dozed off while inside.

As Morgan napped, Cora managed to get out of the car and wandered into the driveway. At that moment, Morgan's boyfriend, 41-year-old Cameron Link, drove into the driveway and tragically hit the toddler. Cora was pronounced dead at the scene, leaving the family devastated.

Family Concerns: A History of Child Safety Issues

Family members of Morgan Ottiger have expressed longstanding concerns about Cora's safety. The toddler's grandparents, Donna and her husband, had previously intervened to protect Morgan’s other children. Two of Morgan’s older children are in the custody of Donna and her husband, while the third was placed in the care of his biological father.

Donna, in particular, had been eagerly awaiting her chance to meet Cora and had saved gifts for the child’s first birthday. Tragically, Cora never reached that milestone, and Donna is now grieving the loss of a granddaughter she had hoped to raise.

Mother’s Past: Drug Arrests and Child Protective Services Involvement

Morgan Ottiger has a history of legal troubles, with six arrests and convictions for drug possession since 2017. This troubled past has raised concerns about her ability to care for her children. In light of her history, child protective services (CPS) had been involved with the family before, particularly regarding the older children.

Family members revealed that Morgan’s past struggles with substance abuse contributed to the involvement of CPS in the children’s lives. Despite the family's concerns, they were unable to protect Cora from the tragedy that occurred. The involvement of CPS in the case has yet to be publicly confirmed, as officials are prohibited from commenting until a formal investigation is initiated.

Charges and Legal Proceedings: What’s Next for Morgan Ottiger and Cameron Link?

Following the fatal accident, Morgan Ottiger was arrested and charged with reckless serious bodily injury to a child. She appeared in court on March 17, 2025, visibly emotional as the judge reviewed the case. Authorities are investigating whether Morgan may have been under the influence at the time of the incident. There are also accusations that the couple delayed calling 911 after Cora was struck, which could be another point of scrutiny during the investigation.

Cameron Link, who was arrested on open felony warrants unrelated to the incident, has not been charged in connection with the death of Cora. However, authorities have not ruled out further charges for Link, especially as more details emerge regarding his involvement and the overall situation.

Community Reaction and Impact: A Preventable Tragedy

The death of Cora has shocked the local community, with many expressing their heartbreak and frustration over the preventability of the incident. Harris County District Attorney Sean Teare called the tragedy “completely preventable,” emphasizing the failure to take the proper steps to ensure the toddler's safety.

Family members, especially Elija Coke, Cameron Link’s brother, have expressed deep regret, acknowledging that past decisions have contributed to the current situation. Elija stated, “I wish I could have done something. I reached out to save these boys. I wish I could have done something. Accident or not, a baby is a baby.”

Looking Ahead: Accountability and Child Protection

The death of Cora is a painful reminder of the importance of child safety, parental responsibility, and the need for adequate intervention from child protective services. As this case unfolds, it highlights the ongoing challenges of protecting vulnerable children from harm. Morgan Ottiger’s troubled past, including her struggles with drug addiction, played a significant role in the tragic event, raising questions about the effectiveness of child protective measures and the long-term well-being of children in similar situations.

Authorities are still investigating the full circumstances surrounding the accident, and further legal action may be forthcoming as the details emerge. This tragedy serves as a call to action for better oversight and support for families at risk of neglect and harm.