The first victims of the terror attack in New Orleans have been named, as further details have been released.
As widely reported, a New Year’s celebration on Bourbon Street turned into tragedy as a terrorist attack claimed the lives of at least 15 people and left dozens injured.
The suspect, identified as 42-year-old Shamsud Din Jabbar, drove a truck into the crowded street, mowing down pedestrians, and was subsequently killed in a gunfight with police, during which two officers were wounded.
Authorities confirmed that the assailant was carrying an ISIS flag at the time of the attack.
Following the horrific attack, some of those who sadly lost their lives have now been named.
Nikyra Cheyenne Dedeaux, 18
Recent high school graduate Nikyra Cheyenne Dedeaux had snuck away to New Orleans to celebrate New Year’s with her cousin and friend, Zion Parsons.
Tragically, she was fatally injured when she ran into the street in a panic after hearing gunshots.
“I didn’t even know she came over here,” her distraught mother, Melissa, told NOLA.com.
Dedeaux was pursuing a nursing program at Blue Cliff College and was remembered as “a little ball of sunshine.”
Melissa said she knows her daughter is gone, recounting that her niece reported seeing a blanket placed over her body. “I just want to see my baby,” she said.
Hubert Gauthreaux, 21
Archbishop Shaw High School alum Hubert Gauthreaux was killed in the attack. The school shared condolences on Facebook, asking for prayers for his family. Initially reported missing, Gauthreaux was later found at United Medical Center.
Matthew Tenedorio, 25
Audiovisual technician Matthew Tenedorio, who worked at Caesars Superdome, also lost his life in the attack. His family described him as a beloved son, brother, and friend with a “laid-back spirit and infectious laughter.”
Nicole Perez, 27
Nicole Perez, a young mother from Metairie, was celebrating with friends when she was struck. She died at University Hospital, leaving behind her 4-year-old son, Melo, per ABC News.
“She was a great mother,” said her employer Kimberly Usher-Fall, who described Perez as “beautiful” and “full of life.” A GoFundMe campaign has been launched to support her son and cover burial expenses.
Tiger Bech, 28
Former Princeton University football standout Tiger Bech was also among the victims. The Lafayette native was struck by the truck and later succumbed to his injuries at a New Orleans hospital, per NBC.
Bech, who excelled in multiple positions at St. Thomas More Catholic High School, was a 2021 Princeton graduate with a degree in finance and had been working in New York as a trader.
His younger brother, Jack Bech, a Texas Christian University football star, paid tribute to him on social media: “Love you always, brother. You inspired me every day.”
Reggie Hunter, 37
Baton Rouge resident Reggie Hunter, a father of two, had traveled to New Orleans after work to enjoy the festivities. He was fatally injured in the attack, while his cousin remains hospitalized with extensive injuries.
“You are praying for a prosperous year in 2025,” said his cousin Shirell Jackson, “and never do you think this is the news you are going to get.” Hunter is remembered as a devoted father to his sons, aged 12 and 18 months.
Our thoughts are with all those impacted by the devastating attack.
