Loss of tribe's Queen stings badly

Those who knew Kim Boutte well, and loved ones who grew up with her and celebrated in the same Mardi Gras Indian tribe with her, are sharing their memories about the life that was taken so tragically.

In the New Orleans East parking lot, where just hours ago shots were fired, the men of the Fi-Yi-Yi Mardi Gras Indian tribe express their despair over the loss of the tribe's queen through chants.

Grown men, in tearful pain, said they and their big queen Kim Boutte, 55, were family.

“It really hurt me. I didn't know. I didn't think she was going to go like that. She was our big queen. We loved her very much, and it's going to take a lot out of us,” said Jack Robertson, the tribe’s master designer.

[rudygasper]

I'm Thankful to still be on earth alive
I 🙏 for my people my family and loved ones. Our bloodline goes way. to Africa 🌍 My people make this world
🌎 a better place stop the violence!!!

[mslashay]

Why Lord? She was very nice. Condolences to my girl, her sister and her family.