New Orleans police investigate the scene after the coroner’s van arrives at Valence and Magazine streets, where a woman was killed after being struck by a float during the Mystic Krewe of Nyx parade. (Dinah Rogers, Uptown Messenger)
A woman was struck and killed by a float as midway into the Nyx parade’s trek down Magazine Street on Wednesday night.
Float 21 struck Geraldine Carmouche, 58, at Magazine and Valance Street at about 9 p.m. She died at the scene.
The New Orleans Police Department stated Thursday (Feb. 20) morning she was reaching for a throw when she got stuck between tandem floats. She was then run over by the rear float.
The parade halted and floats were pulled over and lined up along Magazine. At first, the riders continued throwing to the crowd. As word spread, the mood grew somber.
The float lights were turned off and riders quietly stood in place, some talking on cellphones. The area around Magazine and Valence was cordoned off with crime tape.
Floats are parked with riders still on them on Magazine Street where a woman was killed after being struck by a float during the Mystic Krewe of Nyx parade. (Dinah Rogers, Uptown Messenger)
The city announced at around 10 p.m. that float 20 would be the final float in the parade. The 24 floats that followed were escorted by police to the Morial Convention Center.
The marching bands and dance troupes were diverted around the scene and continued on the parade route, if they chose to do so.
No further details are available at this time. The Orleans Parish Coroner’s Office will determine official cause of death and release the victim’s name, upon completion of autopsy and notification of family.
NOPD Traffic Fatality Investigator Michael Baldassaro is in charge of the ongoing investigation and can be reached at 504-658-6208 with any additional information.
This report was updated Feb. 20 as the victim’s name, age and other information were released.
