UGA student critically injured in New Orleans attack

Sara Gregory, The Atlanta Journal-Constitution on Jan 1, 2025

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A University of Georgia student was critically injured in the New Year’s attack in New Orleans, said the school’s President Jere W. Morehead.

Morehead said he has spoken with the student’s family and shared his support on behalf of the UGA community.

No additional details were provided about the injured student, who is receiving medical treatment and is among 35 people who were injured when a man drove a truck down Bourbon Street. At least 10 people were killed in the attack, which the FBI said is being investigated as terrorism.

“I am deeply saddened by the devastating attack in New Orleans overnight, and I extend my sincere condolences to the victims, their families and all those affected by this terrible tragedy,” Morehead said, in a Wednesday statement.

Many UGA football fans, students and alumni traveled to New Orleans for the Sugar Bowl between Georgia and Notre Dame, which was scheduled to take place Wednesday night but has since been postponed until Thursday.

“As we continue to hold the victims and their families in our thoughts and prayers, the university will do everything in its power to support those in our community who have been impacted by this unspeakable event,” Morehead said.

FBI Assistant Special Agent in Charge Alethea Duncan told reporters at the afternoon news conference that she couldn’t yet confirm where the victims were from or their ages. She said those details are being withheld pending family notification.

Louisiana Attorney General Liz Murrill extended her condolences to the families of the victims.

”Parents got a phone call... that no parent ever, ever wants to receive,” Murrill said at the same news conference. “And as a parent of children who come to New Orleans and spend time here, I know that that is just something that... we hold our breaths sometimes until they are home safe and some people did not come home safe. And we also have some people who are fighting for their lives right now in the hospital. So I would ask everyone to pray for them. They need our support and they need our prayers.”

In addition to the players, students in UGA’s Redcoat Marching Band also traveled with the team to the game. It’s unknown how many students traveled with the university and whether they’ve all been confirmed safe.

—Vanessa McCray contributed to this report.