Victims of the New Orleans Attack: A Tragic Loss of Lives

In the aftermath of the New Year's Day incident in New Orleans, which left at least 15 people dead and numerous others injured, the identities of some of the victims have begun to emerge. Among those killed is an 18-year-old aspiring nurse, a 37-year-old father of two, and a 27-year-old former American football player.

The tragic event occurred when a vehicle sped through a crowd celebrating the arrival of 2025 in the early hours of Wednesday morning. The driver of the vehicle, who was reportedly armed, engaged in a shootout with police before being fatally shot by law enforcement.

The suspected attacker has been identified as Shamsud-Din Jabbar, a 42-year-old veteran from Texas. In addition to the fatalities, authorities reported that dozens more sustained injuries during the chaotic incident.

Local media outlets have begun to share details about the victims as families come forward with tributes. Among the deceased was Nikyra Cheyenne Dedeaux, an 18-year-old who had traveled to New Orleans from Gulfport, Mississippi, with a cousin and a friend. She was preparing to enroll in a nursing program at Blue Cliff College later this month.

Her mother described her as exceptionally kind-hearted and dedicated, emphasizing that she had been a bright and outgoing individual. Reports indicate that Dedeaux was struck by the speeding vehicle while attempting to flee from the gunfire.

Reggie Hunter, aged 37 and a father of two from Baton Rouge, was also among those killed. He had decided to visit Bourbon Street on a whim after finishing work on New Year's Eve, accompanied by a relative.

Another victim, Tiger Bech, 27, was a former football player who had played for St. Thomas More High School before continuing his career at Princeton University. After graduating in 2021, he worked as an operator at a New York brokerage firm. School officials expressed their condolences, stating that he was tragically lost in this senseless act of violence.

Additionally, Nicole Pérez, a 28-year-old mother and deli manager from Metairie, Louisiana, was celebrating with friends when the tragedy struck. She is remembered fondly by her loved ones.

Hubert Gauthreaux, a 21-year-old alumnus of Archbishop Shaw High School, was also identified as a victim. The school released a statement mourning his untimely death and urged the community to pray for his soul.

Kareem Badawi, a 2024 graduate of the Episcopal High School in Baton Rouge, was reported as another victim. His school confirmed that another former student was injured in the attack.

Matthew Tenedorio, another casualty, was recognized by his family through a GoFundMe campaign established in his memory. He was a graduate of Pearl River Central High School and worked as an audiovisual technician at the Caesars Superdome, where he was preparing for an upcoming college football game.

The campaign celebrated Tenedorio's ability to uplift those around him, emphasizing his positive spirit and the lasting memories he created.

The New Orleans community continues to grapple with the shock and sorrow of this tragedy, as investigations into the incident are ongoing. The loss of life has deeply affected families, friends, and the broader community, highlighting the urgent need for discussions around public safety and violence prevention.