What to Know
With the horrific murder case of 7-year-old Athena Strand, who was killed by a FedEx driver, in the news the past several weeks, it has created a sense of unease within communities who are reeling after learning the details of such a violent incident. In an act of solidarity for the family and everyone else affected by Athena’s murder, a FedEx delivery driver shared a video on TikTok that’s gotten a lot of attention. The driver put up signs on their truck to help ensure that any parents who are feeling fearful about delivery drivers at the moment knows that they are safe when this truck makes the rounds in their community.
A FedEx driver put up signs on their truck to help show justice for Athena Strand.
Even though the case has moved to the sentencing phase in the Athena Strand murder trial, it’s difficult for families to forget about all the disturbing details they learned about Tanner Horner. He was working as a FedEx delivery driver in 2022 when he went to the 7-year-old’s home to deliver a package containing a Christmas gift when he kidnapped and murdered her, CBS News reported.
Posted to TikTok by an account with the handle chokeasqueaker, a FedEx delivery driver shared a video that’s main purpose is to help families feel a little bit safer with this truck is delivering packages within their community.
Showing its signature FedEx brand logo on the side of the truck, you can see that the driver posted a large pink sign on the side of the vehicle that reads “Your babies are safe on my route #JusticeforAthena #PinkforAthena.” It’s actually a very sweet gesture.
There’s also several pink ribbons tied around both side mirrors. You can also see in the video that the driver posted that same sign to the opposite side of the truck and on its back door, just so families can see that this driver means absolutely no harm to families.
A lot of people in the comments section are discussing how this violent incident really hit home.
With similar videos popping up on social media from other drivers, it goes without saying that with this violent incident that happened due to someone who is often so recognizable in your very own neighborhood — your local FedEx driver — there are a lot of parents and families who are feeling apprehensive about delivery drivers at the moment.
One mother in the comments really appreciated the TikTok video. “My daughter is 7. She heard about Athena and said “Mommy, all Fed Ex drivers are bad.” And I had to have a very tough and emotional conversation with her about always being cautious but not all people are bad. Thank you for this,” she wrote.
Another individual in the comments shared, “Every time I see a delivery truck, my heart sinks. Thank you for doing this.” Another person remarked about how this reminded them of the current state of the world we live in. “I love this… but the fact that we are having to resort to this …. Sad sad world. We use to be afraid of monsters when I was little. I’ve learned monsters come dressed in everything. Thank you for ensuring your community,” they shared.
For those who think that FedEx is the problem, a few people in the comments think otherwise.
There are a few mama bears who left a TikTok comment sharing how the murder of Athena Strand has put them consistently on the defensive when it comes to protecting their kids from something like this happening. One mom wrote, “Out of habit since this happened I make my kids go inside when the driver comes up. my kids are all under 10.” Not everyone feels that way, though.
One person in the comments shared that they don’t think the company is the problem. “FedEx isn’t the problem. One awful person was the problem. Not every fedex driver is evil. & they don’t deserve hate,” they wrote. They do have a really good point. You can’t blame every single FedEx delivery driver for one person’s horribly violent actions.
Another individual in the comments was in full agreement. They wrote, “I actually paused today, when seeing our drivers from my window and thought how much they’re affected by this.. please know we don’t blame you!”
Whether or not the TikTok video made you tear up, it is nice to see people showing up in their own way to show love and support for Athena Strand’s family.
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