Thirteen Victims of the New Orleans Attack Have Been ID'ed by Their Relatives – Here's the Latest Information
Headline
Thirteen Victims of the New Orleans Attack Have Been ID'ed by Their Relatives – Here's the Latest Information
The relatives of most of the individuals who suffered fatalities in a truck crash in New Orleans on New Year's Day have identified them as among the deceased, including Edward Pettifer, the stepson of a previous nanny to the Royal Family, former Princeton University football star Tiger Bech, and numerous college-aged students celebrating the occasion on Bourbon Street.
Essential Details
Thirteen individuals have been recognized by friends or family as among the casualties, as authorities continue to withhold the identities of the victims until autopsies are completed and family members have been notified.
At a press conference later on Thursday morning, Chris Raia, deputy assistant director of the FBI's counter-terrorism division, stated that 14 "innocent victims" were killed in the crash; the perpetrator was also killed.
Louisiana Attorney General Liz Murrill also informed "Fox & Friends" on Thursday that at least 10 more people are "struggling to survive" in local hospitals.
Bourbon Street, the renowned party street where the incident occurred, reopened Thursday afternoon prior to the rescheduled Sugar Bowl college football playoff game between the University of Georgia and Notre Dame.
Subscribe to Our Website Breaking News Text Alerts: We're launching text message alerts to keep you informed about the biggest stories shaping each day's headlines. Text “Alerts” to (201) 335-0739 or sign up here.
Who Was 'Tiger' Bech?
Bech, an All-Ivy League honoree during his time at Princeton, passed away at a New Orleans hospital late Wednesday, as first reported by The Times-Picayune citing Kim Broussard, the athletic director at St. Thomas More Catholic High School, Bech's alma mater. Bech graduated from Princeton in 2021 and began working as a trader at a New York brokerage firm before his death. He is the older brother of former LSU and TCU wide receiver Jack Bech, who praised him as an inspiration in a post on X.
Who Was Billy Dimaio?
Dimaio, 25, was remembered by his father as a "good, humble kid" who "appreciated life." The 25-year-old murdered in the Jan. 1 attack was a New York-based account executive with Audacy Inc. and the eldest of three children. He captained his lacrosse team at Chestnut Hill College in Philadelphia before graduating in 2022, and went on to earn a master's degree in business. His company said he would be remembered for his "unwavering work ethic, positive attitude, and kindness."
Who Was Drew Dauphin?
Gayle Bender, the president of Auburn University in Alabama, confirmed that Dauphin, a 2023 graduate, was among those killed. Dauphin, a 26-year-old employee of a Honda auto plant, was in New Orleans for a New Year's Eve concert when he was killed.
Who Was Terrence Kennedy?
A 63-year-old local New Orleanian was one of nine siblings and a major football fan whose sister described him as a kind man with a big heart, as reported by NBC affiliate WDSU.
Who Was Nikyra Cheyenne Dedeaux?
Dedeaux's mother reported that her daughter had sneaked away with her cousin and a friend to celebrate New Year's Eve on Bourbon Street. The young woman, an aspiring nurse, was the third oldest of six children and remembered by her mother as the "sweetest person." Dedeaux graduated from Harrison Central High School in Gulfport, Mississippi, in 2024 and was due to begin a nursing program later this month, according to CBS affiliate WWL.
Who Was Reggie Hunter?
Shirell Jackson, Hunter's cousin, informed The Times-Picayune that Hunter, a 37-year-old father of two from Baton Rouge, had passed away as a result of his injuries. Hunter, a California native, loved fashion and his 12-year-old and 18-month-old sons, according to his cousin.
Who Was Matthew Tenedorio?
The parents of 25-year-old victim Tenedorio told NBC News he was a "wonderful kid" who was "just starting out in life" and had his dream job. His parents claimed they had tried to dissuade him from attending New Year's Eve celebrations in downtown New Orleans, attributing his decision to go to Bourbon Street to "the foolishness of youth." Tenedorio was an audiovisual operator at New Orleans' Caesars Superdome stadium, where the Sugar Bowl would take place. His cousin, Christina Bounds, posted on Facebook that he "gave the best hugs and had the biggest smile."
Who Was Nicole Perez?
Perez's employer, Kimmy's Deli at Lakeway in Metairie, Louisiana, confirmed her death on Wednesday. Perez, a single mother in her late 20s, was described by deli owner Kimberly Usher as "an exceptional mother" to her 4-year-old son, Melo.
Who Was Kareen Badawi?
The Episcopal School of Baton Rouge confirmed that 2024 graduate Badawi had perished as a result of the attack. Badawi, a first-year student at the University of Alabama, had pledged to join the Sigma Chi fraternity, according to The Birmingham News. Badawi's father, Belal Badawi, posted on Facebook that his son had died and asked for "God's patience and strength" to help them overcome their loss.
Who's Hubert Gauthreaux?, You Ask?
Born and bred in New Orleans, Gauthreaux, at 21 years old, was sadly counted among the deceased, as per his previous school, Archbishop Shaw High School, where he graduated in 2021.
Who's Edward Pettifer, You Wanna Know?
Edward Pettifer, aged 31, was also among the casualties in the incident, London's Metropolitan Police revealed. Pettifer held a special place in the hearts of Prince William and Prince Harry as he was the stepson of their nanny Alexandra Pettifer, who looked after the brothers in the 90s, BBC stated. King Charles expressed his grief over Pettifer's demise and spoke to his family, while Prince William expressed condolences on behalf of the Royal Family. Prince Harry chose to keep silence over the matter. The Pettifer family mourned Edward's loss, stating they would miss him dearly.
Brandon Taylor, You Wonder?
Brandon Taylor, aged 43, was with his fiancee Heather Genusa when he was fatally injured in the attack, Genusa informed the New Orleans Advocate. Taylor, a cook by profession in Terrytown, Louisiana, was born in Marrero, Louisiana, and was passionate about music, concerts, and rapping, as one of his friends divulged.
Who's Elliot Wilkinson, You'd Like to Know?
Elliot Wilkinson, 40, had been residing on the streets of New Orleans after his recent release from prison, as his brother Cecil Wilkinson disclosed to CNN. Elliot had been battling mental illness, according to his brother, and the Wilkinson family was informed about Elliot's untimely death a day post the incident.
Who Else Got Injured In The New Orleans Attack?
Ryan Quigley, a former Princeton football player, was among the injured, as per Lansdale Catholic High School, his alma mater. An unnamed University of Georgia student is critically injured and being treated medically, university president Jere Morehead announced in a statement. WBBH in Fort Myers reported that two 20-year-old women from the city were among the injured, while two Israeli citizens and two Mexican nationals also sustained injuries, authorities informed CNN and the Times.
Background Information
Authorities have identified the man responsible for the incident as Shamsud-Din Jabbar, a 42-year-old U.S. citizen from Texas, who drove a rented Ford pickup truck into the crowd on Bourbon Street around 3:15 a.m. Wednesday. After a shootout, Jabbar was killed. Federal agents do not believe Jabbar was the only one responsible for the attack and are investigating potential associations, FBI Assistant Special Agent-in-Charge Alethea Duncan stated at a press conference. President Joe Biden declared in a speech that Jabbar had expressed support for ISIS and desired to kill on social media. Authorities are also investigating a set of potential improvised explosive devices found inside the truck and the vicinity, which may have been assembled at a New Orleans Airbnb rental. Additionally, a house fire early Wednesday appears to be connected to the incident.
The stepson of a former nanny to the Royal Family, Edward Pettifer, was one of the individuals who tragically lost their life in the truck crash in New Orleans. King Charles expressed his grief over Pettifier's demise and spoke to his family.
Further investigations revealed that Edward Pettifier, aged 31, was among the casualties in the incident, as reported by London's Metropolitan Police. Pettifier held a special place in the hearts of Prince William and Prince Harry as he was the stepson of their nanny Alexandra Pettifer, who looked after the brothers in the 90s.