A harrowing New Year’s Eve turned into a testament of resilience for 23-year-old Alexis Scott-Windham, a Mobile, Alabama native who survived a devastating truck attack on New Orleans’ Bourbon Street.
Alexis credits her survival to her mother’s quick thinking during a phone call that likely saved her life.
A Night of Celebration Turns Deadly
Alexis had traveled to New Orleans with friends to ring in 2025. While standing outside a pizzeria late at night, the festivities turned to horror when a truck barreled down the crowded street, striking pedestrians.
“He was running over people like they were nothing, like they were speed bumps,” Alexis recounted in an interview with NBC News.
Attempting to flee, she was struck by the truck on her right foot, sending her sprawling to the ground. As she got up, she saw a lifeless body beside her.
“Jesus, Jesus. Please, just let me make it home,” Alexis prayed, thinking of her 1-year-old daughter, Skai.
A Mother’s Lifesaving Advice
Amid the chaos, Alexis searched for her friend, Brandon Whitsett, who was also injured. When police arrived, an officer assessed her injury and called for an ambulance.
Friends contacted her mother, Tryphena Scott, who immediately sprang into action. Though not a medical professional, Tryphena provided step-by-step instructions over the phone to apply a makeshift tourniquet to Alexis’ injured leg, helping to stop the bleeding.
“I nearly lost my daughter,” Tryphena said, reflecting on the incident. “I feel very sad for the other families, but my daughter was spared.”
A kind stranger and his girlfriend transported Alexis to the hospital, where she joined other victims receiving treatment.
Gratitude Amid Grief
The attack left at least 15 people dead and many others injured. Despite her injuries, Alexis remains profoundly grateful to have survived.
“I was just thankful. I was blessed. I was just grateful,” she said. “It could have been way worse.”
Her mother, who works alongside Alexis at an Amazon warehouse, echoed her gratitude, acknowledging the pain felt by other victims’ families while cherishing her daughter’s survival.
From the mother’s quick thinking to the stranger’s generosity, Alexis’ story is a firm reminder of humanity’s capacity for resilience and kindness. A GoFundMe set up in her honor has raised a little over $11,000 out of the total $13,000 target.
