Man Suffers Severe Burns in Southern University Homecoming Stampede

A homecoming celebration at a Louisiana University did not go according to plan for one young man.20-year-old De'Vantay Travis was caught in a stampede and sustained third-degree burns at Southern University's Homecoming game.

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Travis was enjoying tailgating for the big game when suddenly, a crowd started running in his direction.

"People started running, and before I knew it, I was on the ground. As I tried to get up, someone tipped over a pot of hot grease that spilled onto my lower back and leg," Travis told WBRZ.

The burning grease caused severe injuries, leaving him with third-degree burns. Travis attempted to call 911, but the call kept dropping due to poor cell service in the area. According to Travis, it took nearly an hour before help arrived to take him to the hospital.

Luckily he was able to contact his mom, Nakia, who shared the emotional distress she experienced upon receiving the call from her son.

“Hearing him scream in agony was unbearable—it’s something no parent should have to hear,” Nakia said in her conversation with WBRZ. She described the ordeal as traumatic, both for Travis and the family.

So far Travis has had his first skin graft surgery and is expected to need at least one more. He has also started physical therapy.

To help cover his medical expenses and support his ongoing treatment, the family has set up a GoFundMe page. They are grateful for the outpouring of support from friends and community members during this challenging time.

For those interested in supporting Travis’s recovery, donations can be made through his GoFundMe link.