New Orleans mourns after deadly New Year’s attack: Who were the victims? Nursing student to college football player

Tiger Bech, Nikyra Cheyenne Dedeaux, and Reggie Hunter ( Picture credit: NYP )

A bright pickup truck slammed into masses of holiday revelers on Bourbon Street in New Orleans, causing 15 fatalities and approximately 30 injuries. The suspect, identified as 42-year-old Shamsud Din Jabber, drove the vehicle into the throng before being killed in a shootout with police. Among the victims were an budding nurse, a younger second mother, a father of two, and a former Princeton soccer legend, leaving their families and communities reeling.

Survivors of the drama

Nikyra Cheyenne Dedeaux
Nikyra Cheyenne Dedeaux, age 18, was just graduating from high school and was enrolled in a care plan at Metairie’s Blue Cliff College. Known as” a little ball of sunshine”, Dedeaux painfully lost her life after celebrating New Year’s Eve on Bourbon Street with her cousin and friend, Zion Parsons, even 18.
” I didn’t even know she came over around”, her family, Melissa, tearfully told NOLA.com. Dedeaux apparently panicked and fled the road when shots rang out, where the car struck her. ” I just want to see my baby”, Melissa wept, believing her sister’s life was cut short.
Tiger Bech
Tiger Bech, a 28-year-old native of Lafayette, Louisiana, and past Princeton University large receiver, was also among the victims. Bech, who is renowned for his strength and determination, suffered severe internal injuries and was placed on existence support until his household could occur.
” Love you often, sibling”, his younger child, Jack Bech, a standout wide receiver for Texas Christian University, wrote on X. ” You inspired me every day, and then you’ll get with me in every time”. Tiger Bech, a graduate of Princeton in 2021 who had previously worked as a seller for a New York trading company, graduated in 2021 with a degree in finance.
Reggie Hunter
Reggie Hunter, a 37-year-old father of two from Baton Rouge, had traveled to New Orleans to see the Sugar Bowl and ring in the new season. Cruelly, Hunter succumbed to his wounds, while his aunt remains hospitalized with severe internal injury. Rarely do you believe this news is the one you are going to receive, said his aunt Shirell Jackson,” and you are praying for a productive Year in 2025.” Hunter left behind his two children, aged 12 years and 18 months.
Nicole Perez
Nicole Perez, a 27-year-old family from Metairie, was celebrating the vacation with friends when she was mortally struck. Perez, a dedicated mother to her 4-year-old brother Melo, had just been promoted to supervisor at a nearby restaurant.
” Her brother Melo is now without his mother, and we are without our colleague and dedicated employee”, wrote Kimberly Usher-Fall, Perez’s firm, on a Paypal website.
Kareem Badawi
Kareem Badawi, a new student of the Episcopal School of Baton Rouge, even lost his life in the attack. The class mourned his departure and confirmed that another student, Parker Vidrine, remains hospitalized in critical issue. ” Our society is deeply saddened by this tragic attack”, the college’s statement read.
Hubert Gauthreaux
Hubert Gauthreaux, a 21-year-old student of Archbishop Shaw High School in Marrero, Louisiana, was first reported missing before his household discovered him at United Medical Center. His dreadful passing was confirmed by his former high school, which pleaded with his family to pray.
Matthew Tenedoria
Matthew Tenedoria, a 25-year-old audio engineer at Caesars Superdome, was also among the patients. Tenedoria’s home described him as a precious child and buddy who brought joy wherever he went, renowned for his laid-back demeanor and viral laughter.
Impact on the community
Due to regard for the victims and their families, the University of Georgia’s Sugar Bowl match against Notre Dame is scheduled to take place on Wednesday evening at the Superdome.
The deceased’s names may be revealed after examinations are finished, and next-of-kin are informed, according to New Orleans Coroner Dr. Dwight McKenna. Family and friends continue to share their loved ones ‘ reports as the neighborhood mourns the loss of these attractive life, highlighting the detail of this tragedy.

Source credit