Delivery Drivers Unite on TikTok After Athena Strand Murder by FedEx Worker

Delivery drivers have united across social media to pay tribute to a little girl killed by one of their own—with many vowing that children are safe on their routes.

As America reels from the horrific kidnap and murder of seven-year-old Athena Strand, who was snatched by FedEx driver Tanner Horner after he dropped off her Christmas presents at her home, other workers at the company have flocked online to air their rage and grief.

Variations of the phrase "your babies are safe on my route" went viral as delivery drivers filmed themselves at work in their trucks to take a stand.

The trend caught on and drivers from other firms, such as Amazon and UPS, joined in. Most of the videos were uploaded to TikTok or Twitter, while compilations of the clips, often set to music and interspersed with photos of little Athena, were shared thousands of times online.

One such TikTok compilation was watched 5.5 million times by viewers.

Ashley Creed, a mom-of-three who works for a delivery company 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 people wrote a comment beneath the video, with the vast majority saying how moved they had been by it, with several saying they had been brought to tears.

Many said they were delivery drivers and affirmed that children were safe around them, while others were parents 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."

Athena was taken from the driveway of her home in Paradise, Texas, on November 30. Her mother, Maitlyn Gandy, later revealed the driver had been there because he was delivering a box of Barbie dolls for Athena.

The child's body was found two days later and Horner admitted killing her. He claimed he had first accidentally hit her with his truck and, although she wasn't seriously injured, he "panicked" and drove off with her. He tried to break her neck and then strangled her in the back of his van, he told horrified police.

Athena, who reportedly enjoyed attending historical re-enactments with her father, was given a "Viking princess" funeral on Friday.

Meanwhile, further details have continued to emerge about Horner, including reports that he had previously been accused of rape several years ago, although he was never charged.

The contracting company that hired Horner, Dallas-based Big Topspin Inc., hasn't yet publicly revealed details about his employment history or the procedures that he had undergone to get the job.