Six-year-old Weston Parfait, the sole survivor of Houma’s deadliest stabbing, has been named the youngest grand marshal in the history of the Krewe of Hercules parade, recognizing his courage and resilience during a horrific tragedy.
The stabbing claimed the lives of four members of Parfait’s family, but despite being injured, the young boy managed to escape to a neighbor’s house to seek help.
The Krewe of Hercules said Parfait’s bravery made him the perfect choice for the honor.
“I mean, he’s a hero. He’s a local hero,” said Mike LaRussa, captain of the Royal Court Krewe of Hercules, “they had a little tragedy that we want to turn into something that’s going to really touch everybody in this parish, in the State.”
Blake Verrett, Parfait’s uncle and also a member of the Krewe of Hercules, shared his admiration for his nephew.
“To say that he’s strong is an understatement,” said Verrett, “for them to do this for us, it really means a lot. And I would never go anywhere else besides riding with these guys. These guys are amazing and they went over what we expected.”
Parfait’s mother said the boy is recovering physically and undergoing therapy.
“We’re doing great. Just doing the best that we can do day in and day out, just making sure that he keeps a smile on his face and recovers as good as he can,” Kay Dupre said, “you can definitely see the smile on his face that you would have never thought any of this traumatic incident would have happened to him.”
Parfait arrived at the superhero-themed party on a bus with friends, unaware that he was being honored.
The Krewe of Hercules said the party’s theme, inspired by Parfait’s love for Spider-Man, is a fitting tribute for the young hero.
“This will be a time in his life that he’s never gonna forget,” said Cy Parfait, Weston’s father, “I’m pretty sure next year he’s going to ask to ride again.”
While the family continues to grieve, the Krewe hopes Parfait grows up knowing the entire parish supports him.
The parade is scheduled to roll out in Houma on Friday, Jan. 29, at 6 PM.
The Krewe of Hercules is one of the city’s most renowned Mardi Gras krewes, and is the official start of Mardi Gras in Houma.
READ MORE:Six-year-old stabbing survivor named youngest grand marshal of Krewe of Hercules parade
