‘Are you guys OK?’: Harlem family shares New Orleans experience
AUGUSTA, Ga. (WRDW/WAGT) - On Wednesday, we spoke with a family staying at a hotel for the Sugar Bowl, which has since been postponed following the tragic attack on Bourbon Street that left 15 dead and over 30 injured.
It was a New Year’s Day that many in New Orleans will always .
Many families like the Davis’ are now left figuring out what to do.
It was a scene that isn’t typical for Bourbon Street.
Family describes aftermath of Bourbon Street attack that left 15 dead
Reality has set in for tons of parents and family of students, staff and fans attending the Sugar Bowl in the wake of Wednesday’s early morning attack in New Orleans.
“I don’t see too many people outside,” said Kelsey Davis, a Harlem resident. “Even just standing in the front usually the last couple of days people have been walking by.”
Like many, Kelsey says she woke up to the unexpected.
“Texts and missed calls of concerned friends and family,” said Davis. “Just alerting asking if we are ok. Even my fiance’s cousin. ‘Have you seen the news? Are you guys OK?’”
MORE FROM NEWS 12
New Orleans attack: Full coverage
- Atlanta leaders bring reinforcement for Peach Bowl
- Harlem family shares their New Orleans experience
- UGA student critically injured in deadly New Orleans attack identified
- Suspect in deadly Bourbon Street attack attended Georgia State University, school says
- As UGA fans flock to New Orleans for Sugar Bowl, police say city is ‘safe’ after Bourbon Street attack
She and her family are staying a couple of blocks away from where it all happened.
“Yesterday we were just in that area watching the Sugar Bowl Parade,” said Davis. Two nights ago we were taking pictures with UGA football players right on that same corner.”
Davis says it was her kid’s first time in New Orleans and she was planning on showing them some of her favorite spots.
“I was excited to kind of show them our spots when we were dating and everything,” she said. “Going out to eat and showing the food, so I mean it just is sad.”
Now, instead of watching the dawgs play, she’s trying to decide what’s best for her and her family.
“So we’re trying to decide like is it okay? Do we stay? Do we go?” she said.
Most importantly, they are trying to decide what’s safe.
UGA alumni, Augusta react to deadly New Orleans attack
On Wednesday, we spoke to a University of Georgia Alumni who shared what they saw after a pickup truck driver allegedly plowed through a crowd in New Orleans’ French Quarter early New Year’s Day with intent.
“Yeah, we bought tickets, but the safety of my kids is more important than the value of a ticket and watching the Georgia game,” said Davis.
Davis says today has been full of shock, but she is grateful her family is okay and just thinking of those affected by this situation.
Copyright 2025 WRDW/WAGT. All rights reserved.
