Nearly two weeks after a tragic accident sent a Mardi Gras float rider to the hospital, he succumbed to his injuries Tuesday afternoon. On February 5th, Quinn Dejean fell from the top level of a parade float during the Friday night kickoff parade.

Since the time of this terrible accident, we’ve been asking city officials, when will there be talk of harnesses for float riders. Cities like New Orleans and Houma have an ordinance in place that requires anyone riding on a parade float to wear a harness.

Following Quinn Dejean’s fall, Acadiana residents spoke up about providing protection for float riders.

“There’s no sense in having the knowledge and tools that are out there if we can’t apply them to our own neighbors and family”, said Chris Gray, who performed CPR on Dejean at the time of his fall.

City Parish President Joel Robideaux says the accident has actually given officials a chance to visit a topic they never have before. “Harnesses in the crows-nest is probably something I would definitely consider.

Those are up there and a fall from there is way more significant than the lower level” Robideaux says this type of accident doesn’t happen often but, Dejean’s fall is tragic enough to force the council to discuss the issue.  “We’re going to look at everything and ultimately the council will vote and decide what they want to put forth.”