A bouquet of flowers is tied to a security barrier following a truck attack where 15 people were killed and many more injured during New Year's celebrations, in New Orleans, on Jan. 1.Octavio Jones/Reuters
Fourteen people were killed and 30 were injured after a U.S. Army veteran with an Islamic State flag on his truck swerved around makeshift barriers and plowed into revellers in New Orleans’ crowded French Quarter on New Year’s Day.
While authorities have not released the names of the victims, at least eight of those killed have been identified by family members or other associates.
What is known about the New Orleans vehicle attack that killed at least 15 people
New Orleans New Year’s Day ramming is the latest attack to use a vehicle as a deadly weapon
Nicole Perez
Nicole Perez, 28, had just gotten a promotion, was moving into a new apartment and was teaching her four-year-old son to read before she was killed on Wednesday morning, Kimberly Usher, her boss, told Reuters.
Ms. Usher, who owns the New Orleans-area deli where Ms. Perez worked, recounted that Ms. Perez would sometimes bring her son to work and play spelling games with him. Ms. Usher described Ms. Perez as a hard-working mother and a dedicated employee.
“She was just getting a new apartment, so her and her son were about to start their new life,” Ms. Usher said. “And now that’s no more.”
Tiger Bech
Tiger Bech, 27, a native of nearby Lafayette, LA., and a Princeton University graduate, was killed on Wednesday morning, according to Marty Cannon, the principal at the high school Mr. Bech attended. Mr. Cannon said he found out about Mr. Bech’s death through his network of mutual friends and associates.
Mr. Cannon described Mr. Bech, who played football at Princeton, as an uncommon intellect and athlete.
“I’ve seen a lot of great athletes, but there are things that Tiger could do on the football field that I never saw anyone else do,” Mr. Cannon said.
“He was just a guy of tremendous depth as well. He was smart, he was an intellectual, just an impressive guy.”
Mr. Bech, who worked in finance in New York, was in town for the holidays, Mr. Cannon said.
A child holds flowers next to a person, after people were killed by a man driving a truck in an attack during New Year's celebrations, in New Orleans, on Jan. 2.Eduardo Munoz/Reuters
Nikyra Cheyenne Dedeaux
Nikyra Dedeaux, 18, an aspiring nurse from Mississippi, was among those killed in the ramming attack, according to the Times-Picayune newspaper.
Ms. Dedeaux was set to begin a nursing program later in January at Blue Cliff College and was in New Orleans celebrating the New Year with a cousin and a friend, the newspaper said, citing associates of the victim.
Melissa Dedeaux, whom the Times-Picayune identified as Nikyra’s mother, appeared to confirm her daughter’s death in a widely shared Facebook post on Wednesday.
“When your parents say don’t go anywhere please listen to them,” Ms. Dedeaux wrote. “my baby is gone y’all. my baby is gone she is no longer with us.”
Attempts to contact the elder Ms. Dedeaux and confirm her relationship to Nikyra on Wednesday evening were not immediately successful.
Reggie Hunter
Reggie Hunter, 37, a father of two from Baton Rouge, was among those killed, the Times-Picayune reported, citing a cousin of the victim.
The newspaper reported that Mr. Hunter, a warehouse manager, took pride in the academic achievements of his eldest son, who was of school age, and he enjoyed working out with friends and family.
Independent attempts to contact Mr. Hunter’s cousin, Shirell Jackson, were not immediately successful.
Matthew Tenedorio
Matthew Tenedorio, 25, was an audiovisual technician at New Orleans’ Caesars Superdome stadium.
His family wrote on a GoFundMe page that he was a beloved son, brother, uncle and friend, with a “laid-back spirit and infectious laughter.”
At his job at the stadium, “he played a crucial role in creating memorable experiences for countless fans and event-goers,” his family wrote.
His cousin, Christina Colgan Bounds said on a Facebook post that “You always gave the best hugs and had the biggest smile when you walked in a room. We will miss you forever cous.”
Flowers are seen at a memorial in New Orleans on Jan. 2.Eduardo Munoz/Reuters
Kareem Badawi
Kareem Badawi was a student at the University of Alabama, and was one of the victims of the attack, his father Belal Badawi said in a Facebook post.
“It is with great sadness and grief, and with hearts satisfied with Allah’s decision and destiny, I announce the death of my son,” his father posted on Facebook. “We ask Allah Almighty to shower his mercy on him, and give us patience and strength to overcome.”
Attempts by Reuters to reach Mr. Badawi were not immediately successful.
Hubert Gauthreaux
Hubert Gauthreaux, 21, graduated from the Archbishop Shaw High School in New Orleans in 2021, according to a post on the school’s Facebook page. The school said he was among those “tragically killed in the senseless act of violence.”
“We are asking the entire Archbishop Shaw family to pray for the repose of Hubert’s soul, his family and friends during this difficult time, and all those affected by this tragedy,” the school said.
Drew Dauphin
Drew Dauphin, a 2023 graduate of Auburn University was among those killed, the school’s president Christopher Roberts announced on Thursday on Facebook.
Mr. Roberts wrote, “Words cannot convey the sorrow the Auburn Family feels for Drew’s family and friends during this unimaginably difficult time. Our thoughts are with the Dauphin family and the families of all the victims of this senseless tragedy.”
Dozens of well-wishers posting on the site included Deavin Willett, who wrote, “He was so loved and this is such a tragic loss to all who had the pleasure of knowing him!”
A U.S. Army veteran flying an Islamic State flag from his truck swerved around makeshift barriers and plowed into New Orleans' crowded French Quarter on New Year's Day, killing 14 people in an attack officials said may have been carried out with the help of others.
Reuters