Apr 11, 2020

Coronavirus ravages storied New Orleans Mardi Gras group

Posted Apr 11, 2020 1:41 PM
Photo by&nbsp;&nbsp;<a rel="nofollow" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/26011645@N00">Paul Schultz</a>
Photo by  Paul Schultz

NEW ORLEANS (AP) — In a city ravaged by the coronavirus outbreak, members of one of New Orleans' most famous Mardi Gras groups _ the Zulu Social Aid and Pleasure Club _ have paid a heavy price.

Zulu President Elroy A. James said four of the fraternal organization’s members have died from coronavirus-related complications. Two others have died since the pandemic began though it’s not known if their deaths were virus-related. An additional 20 have tested positive.

Fifty-one-year-old Cornell Charles is one Zulu member who died. His wife, Nicole, said her husband was a longtime coach with kids and was drawn to Zulu's philanthropic mission.