Among those in New Orleans, where a pickup truck wreaked havoc and killed at least 15 people early on New Year’s Day, were Ward 6 City Councilor Fred Hogan, Ward 1 City Councilor Peter Meaney, Lynn Classical head football coach Brian Vaughan, and Lynn English head football coach Tyllor McDonald.
At the time of the attack, the four were safe and in their hotel rooms at The Sheraton on Canal Street, about a five-minute walk from where the attack took place.
“The tragedy happened about half an hour after we left Bourbon Street, which is, you know, very frightening,” Hogan said.
The group had been on Bourbon Street celebrating the New Year when they decided to get food and return to the hotel around 2:30 a.m.
“We were just sitting there listening to music,” Hogan said. “It’s weird because we all agreed, you know, why don’t we just get out of here and go get something to eat?”
The attack occurred at approximately 3:15 a.m.
“We didn’t know until we woke up this morning,” McDonald said.
Vaughan said the group was “in shock for a minute.
“First and foremost, my heart goes out to the families. It’s crazy when you think about it. People are celebrating one minute and the next, it’s a devastating event,” Vaughan said. “It’s a sad moment for everyone.”
The trip to New Orleans was in support of Lynn’s Joenel Aguero, a defensive back on the Georgia Bulldogs who attended St. John’s Prep in Danvers. Georgia was scheduled to face Notre Dame in Wednesday’s Sugar Bowl at Caesars Superdome, which has since been postponed to Thursday at 4 p.m. EST.
“We came down to watch him play Notre Dame,” McDonald said. “We’re staying an extra day, so we’re still going to make the game.”
Police said 42-year-old Shamsud-Din Jabbar, a U.S. citizen from Texas, was driving the truck. He was shot and killed by police after an exchange of gunfire.
“Today, it’s just quiet. Everything’s shut down and locked down,” McDonald said on Wednesday. “There are still people out there, but it’s not as crazy as it was last night.”
Meaney said he appreciates the “love and support from Lynn.
“Thank you everyone for reaching out and making sure that we were safe.”
