A horrifying New 12 months’s Day tragedy unfolded on Bourbon Avenue in New Orleans when a white pickup truck plowed by crowds of vacation revelers, killing 15 individuals and injuring about 30 others. The suspect, recognized as 42-year-old Shamsud Din Jabber, drove the truck into the gang earlier than being killed in a shootout with police. Among the many victims had been an aspiring nurse, a younger single mom, a father of two, and a former Princeton soccer star, leaving their households and communities reeling.
Victims of the tragedy
Nikyra Cheyenne DedeauxEighteen-year-old Nikyra Cheyenne Dedeaux had lately graduated highschool and was enrolled in a nursing program at Blue Cliff Faculty in Metairie. Generally known as “a bit of ball of sunshine,” Dedeaux tragically misplaced her life after celebrating New 12 months’s Eve on Bourbon Avenue together with her cousin and good friend, Zion Parsons, additionally 18.“I didn’t even know she came visiting right here,” her mom, Melissa, tearfully advised NOLA.com. Dedeaux reportedly panicked and bumped into the road when gunshots rang out, the place she was struck by the automobile. “I simply need to see my child,” Melissa wept, believing her daughter’s life was lower quick.Tiger BechTiger Bech, a 28-year-old native of Lafayette, Louisiana, and former Princeton College vast receiver, was additionally among the many victims. Recognized for his athleticism and dedication, Bech suffered catastrophic inside accidents and was stored on life help till his household might arrive.“Love you at all times, brother,” his youthful sibling, Jack Bech, a standout vast receiver for Texas Christian College, wrote on X. “You impressed me each day, and now you’ll be with me in each second.” Tiger Bech graduated from Princeton in 2021 with a level in finance and had been working as a dealer at a New York brokerage agency.Reggie HunterReggie Hunter, a 37-year-old warehouse supervisor and father of two from Baton Rouge, had traveled to New Orleans to have a good time the New 12 months and watch the Sugar Bowl. Tragically, Hunter succumbed to his accidents, whereas his cousin stays hospitalized with extreme inside accidents. “You might be praying for a affluent 12 months in 2025,” mentioned his cousin Shirell Jackson, “and by no means do you suppose that is the information you’re going to get.” Hunter left behind his two sons, aged 12 years and 18 months.Nicole PerezNicole Perez, a 27-year-old mom from Metairie, was celebrating the vacation with associates when she was fatally struck. A devoted mom to her 4-year-old son Melo, Perez had lately been promoted to supervisor at an area deli.“Her son Melo is now with out his momma, and we’re with out our good friend and devoted worker,” wrote Kimberly Usher-Fall, Perez’s employer, on a GoFundMe web page.Kareem BadawiKareem Badawi, a latest graduate of the Episcopal College of Baton Rouge, additionally misplaced his life within the assault. The college mourned his passing and confirmed that one other alumnus, Parker Vidrine, stays hospitalized in crucial situation. “Our neighborhood is deeply saddened by this horrific assault,” the varsity’s assertion learn.Hubert GauthreauxHubert Gauthreaux, a 21-year-old graduate of Archbishop Shaw Excessive College in Marrero, Louisiana, was initially reported lacking earlier than his household found him at United Medical Heart. His former highschool confirmed his tragic passing, calling for prayers for his grieving household.Matthew TenedoriaMatthew Tenedoria, a 25-year-old audiovisual technician at Caesars Superdome, was additionally among the many victims. Recognized for his laid-back spirit and infectious laughter, Tenedoria’s household described him as a beloved son and good friend who introduced positivity wherever he went.Impression on the neighborhoodThe College of Georgia’s Sugar Bowl recreation in opposition to Notre Dame, scheduled to happen Wednesday evening on the Superdome, has been postponed to Thursday out of respect for the victims and their households.New Orleans Coroner Dr Dwight McKenna acknowledged that the identities of the deceased could be launched after autopsies are accomplished and subsequent of kin are notified. Because the neighborhood mourns the lack of these vibrant lives, household and associates proceed to share tales of their family members, highlighting the depth of this tragedy.
