Nigell Moses / WWL Louisiana, Kenny Kuhn / WWL Louisiana
15 people were killed, including the suspect, and 10 victims were identified.
NEW ORLEANS — Victims are being identified after New Year’s celebrations turned deadly following a mass killing of people and dozens hospitalized. FBI identified the suspect as 42-year-old Shamsud-Din Jabbar from Texas.
Here’s what we know about the victims:
Nikyra Cheyenne Dedeaux
Nikyra Cheyenne Dedeaux, 18, was identified as one of 14 people killed in the New Orleans attack on Bourbon Street.
Dedeaux came to visit the city from Gulfport with her cousin and friend to celebrate the New Year. Dedeaux, who was called “Cheyenne” by her family, wasn’t supposed to be in New Orleans, her mother told NOLA.com. She said she snuck away with her 18-year-old cousin and their friend Zion Parson, 18.
Martin ‘Tiger’ Bech
Martin “Tiger” Bech, 27, a 2015 graduate of St. Thomas More Catholic High School, was also killed. The school released a statement following his death. Bech, the older brother of former LSU player Jack Bech, was kept on life support until his family arrived, according to NOLA.com.
“The St. Thomas More Catholic High School community mourns the loss of one of our own, Tiger Bech, who passed away early this morning as a result of the attack on New Year’s revelers in New Orleans. Tiger was a 2015 graduate and standout in football, lacrosse, and track and field. We will host a Rosary and Prayer Service for Tiger and the Bech family this evening. Details are still in the works.
As we learn more we will relay to everyone. Please keep the Bech family, and all of the victims of this attack, in your prayers. Eternal rest grant unto them, O Lord, and let perpetual light shine upon them. May the souls of all the faithful departed, through the mercy of God, rest in peace. Amen.”
Reggie Hunter
The Baton Rouge father of two was identified as Reggie Hunter, 37. According to NOLA.com Hunter went to Bourbon Street “on a whim” to ring in the New Year with a cousin. His first cousin, Shirell Jackson, said he and his cousin were both hit. Hunter died from his injuries while his cousin was among the 35 who were hospitalized.
A GoFundMe was created to help the family with Hunter’s funeral expenses.
A UGA student was also critically injured in the terrorist attack and is receiving medical treatment, the school said. A GoFundMe was created to help the family with his funeral expenses.
Nicole Perez
A 28-year-old mother from Metairie also died in the attack, according to NOLA.com. Perez had just been promoted to manager at Kimmy’s Deli at Lakeway, where she worked her boss said. Her four-year-old son is in the care of loved ones. She was remembered as a good mom and wanted to be successful. A GoFundMe was started by her manager, Kimberly Usher, for her funeral expenses and for her son.
Matthew Tenedorio
25-year-old Matthew Tenedorio was killed. ” He was the youngest out of his two siblings. His family said he was an audiovisual technician for the Superdome. A GoFundMe was created to help with funeral costs. “Matthew Tenedorio was tragically shot and killed in the devastating terrorist attack in New Orleans,” his family posted in the GoFundMe.
The New Orleans Saints released a statement.
“We remain heartbroken by the tragic events that claimed innocent lives in our city yesterday morning,” the Saints said on X. ” Among those lost was Matthew Tenedorio, a valued member of the ASM New Orleans video production team. Matthew was young, talented, and had a bright future, helping deliver quality content for both the New Orleans Saints and the Pelicans.”
Read the full statement here.
Kareem Badawi
One of the two Episcopal School of Baton Rouge alumni victims died as a result of their injuries, WBRZ reported. A prayer service will be held at the Lewis Family Memorial Chapel on Thursday at 6 p.m. Parker Vidrine was critically injured in the attack.
The University of Alabama released a statement.
“I learned today that Kareem Badawi, one of our students at The University of Alabama, was killed in the terrorist attack in New Orleans. I grieve alongside family and friends of Kareem in their heartbreaking loss,” UA President Stuart R. Bell said.
The school issued a statement.
“Dear Episcopal Community,
It is with a profound sense of sorrow and grief that we share difficult news involving members of our Episcopal family. Earlier today, we learned of a horrific attack in New Orleans that has tragically impacted our school community. Because of the sensitive nature and out of respect for the families, there is only so much that is appropriate to share at this time. We are deeply saddened to share that alumnus Parker Vidrine ’24 was critically injured and is hospitalized, and alumnus Kareem Bawadi ’24 tragically passed away as a result of the attack.”
Hubert Gauthreaux
Hubert Gauthreaux, 21, an Archbishop Shaw High School Class of 2021 graduate, was confirmed dead by multiple family members, according to NOLA.com. His family initially posted that he was missing on social media.
Archbishop Shaw High School issued a statement soon after his death.
“It is with great sorrow that we share that alum Hubert Gauthreaux, Class of 2021, was tragically killed in the senseless act of violence that occurred early this morning in the French Quarter. He was 21 years old.
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.
Eternal rest grant unto him, O Lord, and let perpetual light shine upon him. May the souls of all the faithful departed, through the mercy of God, rest in peace.”
Drew Dauphin
Drew Dauphin, an Auburn University graduate, was identified as a victim of the Bourbon Street attack, according to Auburn University President Christopher Brooks.
In a statement, the school said that Drew Dauphin, a 2023 graduate, died in the attack.
“Words cannot convey the sorrow the Auburn family feels for Drew’s family and friends during this unimaginably difficult time,” Brooks said.
Bourbon St attack victim
Billy DiMaio
Billy DiMaio, 25, was also killed in the attack on New Year’s Day.
“He was a good, humble kid. He loved life,” DiMaio’s father said to our partners at The Times-Picayune.
He was a graduate of Chestnut Hill College. The school posted a statement to social media confirming his death.
DiMaio was a Sales Account Executive for Audacy in New York. Audacy is a national media company that owns and operates radio stations in New Orleans including B97, Bayou 95.7 Magic 101, and WWL Radio.
“Billy began his journey with the company two years ago as a New York-based Account Manager and was recently promoted to Account Executive on the National Enterprise and Direct Response team. He was much loved, respected, and appreciated,” Audacy CEO David Field wrote in a memo to staff.
“Beyond his professional achievements, Billy will be fondly remembered for his unwavering work ethic, positive attitude, and kindness. He was a true asset to the Audacy team, and his contributions and presence will be deeply missed. It was clear to all that Billy had the talent and character to ensure a very bright future, and his sudden passing has left a profound void in the hearts of all who knew and worked with him. Our thoughts are with Billy’s family and friends during this exceedingly difficult time. We extend our deepest sympathies to them and every member of the Audacy family who had the privilege of working with him.”
GoFundMe launched a hub of verified fundraisers for victims and their families. Click here on how you can help.
Bourbon St. attack victim
Terrence Kennedy
Nola native, 63-year-old Terrence Kennedy also died in the attack, according to CBS. His wife, Jacqueline, confirmed to CBS News that her husband died. The family said they called around hospitals trying to find him, before they identified his remains, according to CBS.
His niece, Monisha James, said he was known as “Terry” and was a nice and quiet man in a Facebook post.