A Pittsburgh-area native, Jeremi Selensky, was visiting New Orleans during the New Year’s holiday when a tragic incident occurred on Bourbon Street. A driver plowed through crowds, resulting in the death of more than a dozen people and causing injuries to many others. Selensky, who has been paralyzed since a car accident in 1999 and uses a wheelchair, was among those hurt in the attack.
Recalling the terrifying moment, Selensky mentioned that he felt his body being hit and thrown to the ground. Despite a moment of disorientation, he quickly regained consciousness upon hitting the ground, only to hear the sound of gunshots. Amid the chaos, he realized the severity of the situation and felt that one of his legs was injured, noticing parts of his wheelchair scattered around him.
Following the incident, Selensky's family is now seeking to replace his destroyed wheelchair, highlighting the urgent need for assistance in this challenging time. Despite the trauma he experienced, Selensky expressed gratitude for being alive and emphasized the importance of not succumbing to fear.
While acknowledging the difficulty of returning to Bourbon Street in the near future, Selensky urged the public not to let fear dictate their lives. He emphasized the unpredictability of such events and stressed the importance of continuing to live life to the fullest, despite the risks that may exist.
As Selensky navigates his recovery process and copes with the aftermath of the attack, his resilience and positive outlook serve as a reminder of the strength of the human spirit in the face of adversity.
