I received the following narrative from a resident of New Orleans this past weekend:
Sir - thank you for reading my email. I want to convey my experiences while working in the vicinity of the Louisiana Superdome (now known as the Mercedes-Benz Superdome). I have worked in the warehouse in the Superdome as well as a steward in the Hyatt Regency across from Champions Square. I held these jobs between 2006 through 2014.
As you may remember, more than 40,000 people took shelter in the Superdome during Hurricane Katrina in August 2005. Though it was a refuge of last resort, the conditions were horrendous. I was told that only 5 people died there during the storm, but I know that many more died from the effects of that hellhole. There was death throughout the city - a few people I knew were never seen again.
I can safely say that the area in and around the Superdome is haunted. The management of the facility and other businesses around it are acutely aware of the paranormal activity. Security personnel is a revolving door - they rarely stay longer than a few months. The smell of death and filth still permeate the air in parts of the Superdome.
One late evening I was walking from the loading dock to Garage 5. I was approached by an older man who asked me if I could sell him a cigarette. I told him that he was trespassing, but he gave me no reaction. Then suddenly, he turned and faded away. I mentioned this incident to my supervisor, who just shrugged his shoulders and said that it wasn't unusual.
I later saw the same man walking around different areas, but only for a matter of seconds before he faded away. I have heard babies and children screaming & crying, but have never seen anyone.
I can attest to the fact that the Superdome has been blessed by several voodoo priests & priestesses. I believe the pain and suffering experienced during Hurricane Katrina are now a part of the structure. I was also told that the Superdome was originally build on top of old graves and that the angry spirits are now going to seek justice. I don't know how true that is, but it's something to think about.
The Hyatt Regency has also experienced various activity. One of the ladies who works as a steward told me that there have been times when patrons would quickly leave their rooms in the middle of the night because something scared them. She said that she had witnessed items move while cleaning a room, but that's all. It didn't seem to bother her at all.
New Orleans is a haunted city, and anyone who lives here knows that to be a fact. But this is my home and I plan to live here as long as I can. Nate
Markets of Sorrow, Labors of Faith: New Orleans in the Wake of Katrina
Left to Die...A First Hand Account of Life in the Superdome during Hurricane Katrina (Left to Die trilogy Book 1)
A Storm Called Katrina
Haunted New Orleans (LA): History & Hauntings of the Crescent City (Haunted America)