4 years ago
It's been nearly one year since Hurricane Katrina devastated New Orleans and the Gulf Coast. In addition to damaging homes and businesses -- the storm also shut down the area's only major theme park.
But now, the former general manager of that park is making a new life here in Washington.
It's a job many people dream of. "I'll never forget the first day I pulled up and thought -- it's a big park."
Terry Prather is the new general manager of Six Flags America. But he got there by accident, after his life was rocked by disaster in the form of Hurricane Katrina.
In addition to homes and businesses, the hurricane also devastate Six Flags New Orleans, which Terry ran. He shut down the park before the storm hit, evacuating over 1,000 employees. It was nearly a month before he returned to survey the damage.
"Words can't describe it. It was like a war zone."
Nearly 12 feet of water flooded the park, causing tens of millions of dollars in damage.
"Imagine the park under water for five weeks and everything rusted. The wind and water damaged it -- it was devastating," Terry said.
So last February, with the park closed and living in a FEMA trailer -- he got an offer he couldn't refuse. To come to Six Flags America and be the general manager."
In many ways, it's been a dream come true. Yet a year later, he can't help but wonder about the damage inflicted on his former home. He learned a personal lesson about hope. And survival.
"I think that is what life's about. Having faith in things and you realize there will be a tomorrow. There will be another day."
Written By 9NEWS NOW
