He was waiting for a cab on a crowded French Quarter street when a car struck him and never stopped. Thousands of people were nearby ringing in the new year. No one has ever come forward.
The First Hours of 2016
Joshua Woodruff, 28, of Omaha, Nebraska, was visiting New Orleans for the first time to celebrate New Year's. Shortly after 3 a.m. on January 1, 2016, while waiting for a taxi at the corner of Decatur and Dumaine Street, he was struck by a black four-door sedan with tinted windows. His body became pinned beneath the vehicle, which continued driving for several miles through the French Quarter before the driver fled the scene.
A Crowded Scene, No Witnesses
The incident occurred amid one of the city's busiest nights of the year, with more than 100,000 people in town for New Year's celebrations and the Sugar Bowl college football game later that day. Despite the crowds, no witness has ever come forward with information leading to the identification of the driver.
A Family's Ongoing Search
Woodruff's family has returned to New Orleans multiple times in the years since, funding reward offers and billboards in hopes of generating new leads. His mother, Caren Woodruff, has spoken publicly about the toll of not knowing who was responsible, describing years of missed holidays and family milestones without her son.
Where the Case Stands
More than eight years later, Joshua Woodruff's case remains unsolved, with no suspect ever identified or charged.
FAQ
Has anyone ever been identified in Joshua Woodruff's death?
No. Despite being surrounded by crowds when he was struck, no witness has come forward, and the case remains unsolved.
How far was Woodruff's body dragged?
Investigators say he was dragged for several miles through the French Quarter before the vehicle stopped.
Is there a reward for information?
Yes. Woodruff's family has funded reward offers over the years in hopes of generating new leads.