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Dec. 31, 2025: Remembering a milestone year with Coloradans who survived Hurricane Katrina

By Chandra Thomas Whitfield
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KATRINA SURVIVOR HENRY BATISTE
Hart Van Denburg/CPR News
Henry Batiste, a native of Kenner, Louisiana, near New Orleans, at his restaurant NOLA Voodoo Tavern on Bruce Randolph Boulevard in Denver. Batiste fled his home 20 years ago in the wake of Hurricane Katrina.

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Dec. 31, 2025: Remembering a milestone year with Coloradans who survived Hurricane Katrina

As 2025 draws to a close, we revisit the stories of four people who now call Colorado home. They have a common bond: They all survived the American tragedy known as Hurricane Katrina, which devastated New Orleans 20 years ago and remains one of the deadliest and most destructive hurricanes in U.S. history. They share their journey from Louisiana to Colorado and how it forever shaped their lives, in a Colorado Matters special: "After the Storm: Reflections on Hurricane Katrina."

Chandra shares her own story about the impact of Hurricane Katrina on her life.

Mercedes Toregano poses for a photo on her front porch
Hart Van Denburg/CPR News
Mercedes Toregano poses for a photo on her front porch in Denver. She holds “The Everyday Prayer Book,” given to her by her mother when she was a child, and which she brought with her to Denver after fleeing the aftermath of Hurricane Katrinas 20 years ago.
KATRINA SURVIVOR KELSEY MCCAFFREY
Hart Van Denburg/CPR News
Kelsey McCaffrey holds her bear Corduroy outside her Denver home. McCaffrey was a child when her family fled the destruction of Hurricane Katrina 20 years ago, and she brought Corduroy with her.
Marla Jones Newman poses with Winnie The Pooh
Hart Van Denburg/CPR News
Marla Jones Newman poses with Winnie The Pooh at her home in Parker. It’s a statue that her family brought with them from New Orleans to Colorado after fleeing the destruction of Hurricane Katrina 20 years ago.

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