ATLANTA, Ga. (Atlanta News First) - A University of Georgia student was among the dozens injured after a truck plowed into a crowd on Bourbon Street in New Orleans just hours before the university’s football team was set to play in the Sugar Bowl, according to UGA officials.

UGA President Jere Morehead said the student was critically injured and is getting medical treatment.

PREVIOUS COVERAGE: As UGA fans flock to New Orleans for Sugar Bowl, police say city is ‘safe’ after Bourbon Street attack

“I have spoken to the student’s family and shared my concern, support and well wishes on behalf of the entire UGA community,” Morehead said. “I would like to express my gratitude to all the first responders who moved so quickly to help those affected by this senseless act of violence, as well as to the medical personnel who are caring for the injured. 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.”

CNN reported that the injured UGA student is 19-year-old Elle Eisele, according to the Canterbury School, a Florida high school that she attended.

“To hear that one of our own was affected by this tragedy, it’s upsetting for the Dawg family,” UGA student Sam Gullo said.

The Canterbury School also identified another injured victim as Steele Idelson, 19, who attends San Diego State University and also graduated from the Florida high school, CNN reports.

“The Eisele and Idelson families are deeply grateful for the outpouring of thoughts, prayers, and offers of support for our daughters following the tragic attack in New Orleans,” the Canterbury School said in a statement to CNN. “We are especially thankful for the exceptional care and compassion they are receiving at University Medical Center. We also extend our heartfelt gratitude to the first responders, whose swift actions may have saved our daughters’ lives. To everyone who has reached out with love and support, we thank you from the bottom of our hearts.”

Law enforcement officials said a man drove a pickup truck through the crowd in the French Quarter early New Year’s Day, killing at least 15 people and injuring 30 others. According to New Orleans Police Superintendent Anne Kirkpatrick, the suspect – identified as 42-year-old Shamsud Din Jabbar – drove a truck intentionally at high speed into the crowd and also shot two police officers. The officers are in stable condition. Police fatally shot the suspect.

The FBI is investigating the incident as an act of terrorism.

PREVIOUS COVERAGE: At least 15 dead, 35 injured after man ‘intentionally’ drives into New Year’s revelers in New Orleans

Thousands of fans are expected to flood the Caesars Superdome to watch the University of Georgia face off against Notre Dame in the College Football Playoffs quarterfinal game, which was postponed to Thursday after the deadly attack.

“It’s really sad. I just got to UGA, I’m a grad student here, and I have just experienced a very welcoming community since being here,” UGA student Mackenzie Bianchi said. “And it’s just really sad to hear that one of our own... something so tragic could happen to someone just wanting to show some school spirit and go to the game.”

Copyright 2025 WANF. All rights reserved.