A former Princeton football star. An aspiring nurse. A college freshman. A cherished son. A devoted mom.
These are among the victims of the deadly New Year’s Day attack in New Orleans that left at least 14 people dead and dozens injured when a 42-year-old Army veteran plowed a truck into a crowd of revelers on Bourbon Street in what the FBI is investigating as an “act of terrorism.”
The FBI identified the suspect — who was killed after engaging in a shootout with police officers — as Shamsud-Din Jabbar, a U.S.-born citizen from Texas.
The bureau confirmed investigators discovered an ISIS flag, weapons and a potential improvised explosive device inside the pickup truck the suspect rammed through the crowd.
New Orleans Mayor LaToya Cantrell said that the “Greater New Orleans Foundation has set up a fund to assist victims,” and the city was taking “every necessary step to put even more safety procedures in place, especially given the nature of the investigation.”
Here’s what we know about them so far
Matthew Tenedorio, a 25-year-old with his dream job at the Superdome
The 25-year-old had been out with friends on Bourbon Street celebrating the new year when he was caught up in the violence.
The audiovisual technician originally from Long Island had moved to New Orleans where he was working at the Superdome in “the job of his dreams,” his devastated mom Cathy told NBC News.
His heartbroken father, Louis, told NBC News he was “in disbelief” as he struggled for words in an interview on Thursday morning.
The family had dinner together on New Year’s Eve, when Tenedorio’s mom said she tried to “dissuade” her son from going out in New Orleans.
“We spent New Year’s Eve at my middle son’s home with his wife and daughter and we had dinner,” she told the network. “We did fireworks outside and [were] just laughing and hugging each other and telling each other we loved each other…trying to dissuade him from going into New Orleans.”
“You know the foolishness of youth I’m sorry to say, they just have to experience life with no fear or risk,” she added.
“Matthew was a beloved son, brother, uncle, and friend whose laid-back spirit and infectious laughter brought joy to everyone around him,” Tenedorio’s fundraising page reads. “As an audiovisual technician for the Superdome, he played a crucial role in creating memorable experiences for countless fans and event-goers.”
Loved ones are raising funds to help cover his funeral expenses.
Terrence ‘Terry’ Kennedy, a 63-year-old New Orleans native
A 63-year-old New Orleans native has been identified as one of the victims of the atrocity.
Terrence Kennedy, affectionately known as “Terry” by his loved ones, had gone to Bourbon Street to enjoy a drink to ring in the new year, his niece told the Times-Picayune.
When they didn’t hear from him the next day, they spread the word that he was missing, Kennedy’s niece Monisha James told the newspaper.
They contacted a friend at the Orleans Parish Coroner’s Office who tragically confirmed Kennedy had died in the attack.
The family has suffered a number of tragic deaths in recent years, the newspaper reported. “Just when I thought my family was out of the woods, unfortunately today we found out my uncle was one of the victims who was killed on Bourbon St,” James wrote on social media.
Kennedy, one of nine children, was “just enjoying his city and not bothering nobody,” James said, adding that her uncle was “the nicest person in the world.”
He grew up in Uptown New Orleans and was a graduate of Walter Cohen High School. His family said he was a fan of NFL football and his favorite team was the Pittsburgh Steelers.
Billy DiMaio, a 25-year-old who ‘loved life’
A 25-year-old New York-based account executive who had traveled to New Orleans to celebrate the new year with friends is among the victims of the atrocity.
Billy DiMaio, originally from New Jersey, was described by his parents as “a gentle-hearted soul” and had planned to attend the Sugar Bowl with friends.
“He put his family first, and his friends meant the whole world to him,” his mother, Tracie DiMaio, said, the Advocate reports.
“He was a good, humble kid,” DiMaio’s father, Bill DiMaio, added. “He loved life.”
The company DiMaio worked for, Audacy, said they were “heartbroken” to learn of his death. “Beyond his professional achievements, Billy will be fondly remembered for his unwavering work ethic, positive attitude, and kindness,” the company said in a statement. “He was a true asset to the Audacy team, and his contributions and presence will be deeply missed.”
As a child, DiMaio grew up on Long Island before the family relocated to Holmdel in New Jersey.
His alma mater Holmdel High School, where he played lacrosse, paid tribute to him. “Our Lacrosse community has suffered an unimaginable loss,” the school said in a statement. “Billy was a remarkable young man on and off the field. All of us in the Holmdel community are devastated by this sad news.”
Drew Dauphin, a 26-year-old with an ‘infectious smile’
The family of 26-year-old Drew Dauphin from Alabama said they are “suffering more than anyone can imagine” after learning of his death.
His heartbroken family said in a statement that raising him “will always be one of the greatest joys of our lives,” Times Picayune reports.
“It’s unbelievable. Who should have to come up with words for this?” Dauphin’s family said in an emotional statement.
Dauphin had an infectious smile, “the best personality” and could light up any room, his family said.
He graduated from Auburn University in 2023 and went on to work as a supplier process manager for Honda. The university shared a tribute to the former student.
“Words cannot convey the sorrow the Auburn Family feels for Drew’s family and friends during this unimaginably difficult time,” Auburn University President Christopher B. Roberts said. “Our thoughts are with the Dauphin family and the families of all the victims of this senseless tragedy.”
Kareem Badawi, a college freshman from Louisiana
The University of Alabama freshman’s death was announced by his father, Belal Badawi, on social media.
Badawi graduated from Episcopal School of Baton Rouge in Louisiana in 2024 before joining UA in the fall, according to the Advocate.
“It is with great sadness and grief, and with hearts satisfied with Allah’s decision and destiny, I announce the death of my son, Karim Bilal Badawi,” his father wrote on Facebook. “Who died early today in the morning as a result of a tragic accident in New Orleans. We ask Allah Almighty to shower his mercy on him, and give us patience and strength to overcome this noble patient.”
The university’s president, Stuart R. Bell, said in a statement the college “grieved alongside” Badawi’s family and friends.
"I learned today that Kareem Badawi, one of our students at The University of Alabama, was killed in the terrorist attack in New Orleans,” Bell said. “I grieve alongside family and friends of Kareem in their heartbreaking loss. Our staff have been actively engaged in supportive outreach.”
Hubert Gauthreaux, a 21-year-old remembered as a ‘wonderful young man’
The 21-year-old from Louisiana was identified by his alma mater Archbishop Shaw High School , which condemned the attack as a “senseless act of violence.”
“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,” the school said on Facebook.
“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.”
Tributes poured in for Gauthreaux on social media. “Hubert was a very fine young man, I am saddened by his loss,” Mary L LeBlanc wrote.
Rosie Corzantes described him as a “precious soul.” “He was a wonderful young man. He will always be loved and missed.”
“I knew this young man,” Terry Lopez said, describing him as “a great kid.”
Tiger Bech, a former Ivy League football player working in finance
Bech, a former Princeton football player, was taken to a New Orleans hospital with critical injuries and later died. He was reportedly kept on life support until his family could arrive.
The 28-year-old wide receiver was an All-Ivy League performer, having played high school football at St. Thomas More Catholic High School in Lafayette, Louisiana before earning a scholarship to Princeton University, according to CBS Sports.
Bech twice earned All-Ivy League honors as a return specialist and caught 53 passes for 825 yards and three touchdowns in his career. At his high school he also lettered in lacrosse and track, leading the lacrosse team to a state title and reaching three state semifinals.
Love you always brother ! You inspired me everyday now you get to be with me in every moment. I got this family T, don’t worry. This is for us ❤️ https://t.co/8sSFf564Mb
— Jack Bech (@jackbech7) January 1, 2025
After graduating from Princeton in 2021, he worked as a trader at Seaport Global, a New York brokerage firm.
His death was confirmed by St. Thomas More Catholic High School athletic director, Kim Broussard.
Princeton Football mourns the loss of Tiger Bech ‘21.
— Princeton Football (@PrincetonFTBL) January 1, 2025
Our thoughts and prayers go out to his family and to all of the victims of the Bourbon Street attack. https://t.co/aLWMyd57lL pic.twitter.com/nUjzXUO3yT
Bech’s younger brother, Jack Bech, began his own football career at LSU before transferring to TCU, and has declared for the 2025 NFL Draft in December. After news of his brother’s death was reported, the younger Bech wrote on X: “Love you always brother!
“You inspired me everyday now you get to be with me in every moment. I got this family T, don’t worry. This is for us.”
Nicole Perez, a 27-year-old mom celebrating with friends
Nicole Perez, 27, has been confirmed as one of the New Orleans victims by Kimberly Usher-Fall, a family spokesperson and her employer, ABC News reported.
Perez was excited about a recent promotion to manager at one of Usher-Fall’s stores, said her boss, and she often brought her 4-year-old son, Melo, with her to work. She was helping him learn how to read.
“She was a great mother,” Usher-Fall told ABC. “She was a really exciting young lady.”
Perez was out with her friends New Year’s Eve when she was struck by Jabbar as he plowed through the crowd. She was rushed to University Hospital but succumbed to her injuries.
“She was so beautiful and full of life,” Usher-Fall wrote on a GoFundMe page for Perez. “Her son, Melo, is now without his momma, and we are without our friend and dedicated employee.”
She was seeking money to help with burial expenses and to “help her son with expenses he will need to transition into a new living situation.”
Reggie Hunter, a father of two who went to New Orleans ‘on a whim’
Hunter, a 37-year-old Baton Rouge father of two, was among the 14 victims who perished on Wednesday morning.
His family told The Times-Picayune he “had gotten off work and headed to Bourbon Street on a whim to ring in the new year with a cousin.”
“They decided to go out there because he came in from work and said, ‘Hey, the Sugar Bowl is tomorrow. It’s New Year’s Eve. Let’s go to the city,’” Hunter’s first cousin Shirell Jackson said. “Just something so simple. Hey cuz, had, wanna ride me to the city?”
Jackson said that Hunter and his cousin were both hit by the truck. While Hunter perished, the cousin was among the 35 injured who were taken to local hospitals.
According to his family, Hunter took pride in his 18-month-old son and 12-year-old son’s STEM academics, adding that he loved to work out. “He wanted to be in the gym with his homeboys and cousins,” Jackson said. “And he said, ‘I'm getting swole. I said, ‘Where? You are so little.’”
Nikyra Cheyenne Dedeaux, an aspiring nurse who ‘snuck out’ to celebrate in New Orleans
Dedeaux, 18, traveled to New Orleans from Gulfport with her cousin and friend to celebrate the New Year on Bourbon Street, her family told The Sun Herald.
“I just want to see my baby,” her mother Melissa Dedeaux, 40, grieved. “She was the sweetest person. She would give you anything, anything.”
Cheyenne, as she was known to family and friends, wasn’t supposed to be down in the city and snuck out, her mother said. Cheyenne’s friend Zion Parsons told the paper that their group was leaving Voodoo Chicken & Daquiris when “out of nowhere” he heard “commotion” and “banging.”
With gunfire ringing, Cheyenne ran into the street and into the path of the “barreling truck,” suffering critical injuries.
Dedeaux had a job at a hospital and was set to start college and begin working towards her goal of becoming a registered nurse. “She had her mindset — she didn’t have everything figured out but she had the plan laid down,” Parsons said.
While the Orleans Parish Coroner's Office has not officially confirmed her daughter’s death, Melissa said she knows Cheyenne had passed. “As a mother, when my niece and [Parsons] said they covered her with a sheet, I just knew that was it for my daughter,” she said.
