NEW BERN, N.C. (WNCT) – As thousands of eastern North Carolinians watched Super Bowl 52 and the Pepsi Halftime Show, they were surprised to see a familiar face.
During the halftime show, performer Justin Timberlake paused in the stands to take a selfie with a young fan who was there rooting on the New England Patriots.
That fan is 13-year-old Ryan McKenna, who was born in Greenville, North Carolina. He and his family lived in New Bern for nine years while his dad operated a boat business. During that time, Ryan attended Arendell Parrott Academy in Kinston.
The McKenna family moved back to the Boston area, where they’re originally from, in 2013.
WNCT 9 On Your Side spoke with Ryan’s mom, Tracy McKenna, via phone Monday morning.
She says Ryan is a huge Patriots fan and couldn’t wait to experience a Super Bowl, yet little did he know, he would experience so much more.
Ryan is heading back to the Boston area this afternoon with memories he will never forget.
