7 New Orleans Attack Victims Identified: What We Know So Far
Overview of the Tragedy
A devastating truck attack on New Year’s Day in New Orleans has left 14 people dead and several others injured. Among the victims were aspiring professionals, beloved community members, and young adults full of promise. Authorities continue to investigate the incident as families mourn their loved ones.
Victims Identified
1. Martin ‘Tiger’ Bech
- Age: Mid-20s
- Background: A Princeton graduate and former All-Ivy League football player, Tiger Bech passed away at a New Orleans hospital.
- Career: Bech worked as a trader in New York and was an inspiration to his younger brother, Jack Bech, a college football player.
2. Nikyra Cheyenne Dedeaux
- Age: 18
- Background: An aspiring nurse and the third oldest of six siblings, Dedeaux graduated from Harrison Central High School in 2024.
- Future Plans: She was set to start a nursing program this month.
3. Reggie Hunter
- Age: 37
- Background: A father of two and a California native, Hunter loved fashion and his children, aged 12 years and 18 months.
- Circumstances: Hunter was celebrating New Year’s with his cousin when he was struck.
4. Matthew Tenedorio
- Age: 25
- Background: An audiovisual technician at Caesars Superdome, where the Sugar Bowl is held.
- Family’s Reflection: His parents described him as a “wonderful kid” who gave the “best hugs.”
5. Nicole Perez
- Age: Late 20s
- Background: A single mother and employee at Kimmy’s Deli in Metairie, Louisiana.
- Family: Survived by her 4-year-old son, Melo.
6. Kareen Badawi
- Age: 18
- Background: A 2024 graduate of the Episcopal School of Baton Rouge and a freshman at the University of Alabama.
- Community Impact: He had pledged Sigma Chi fraternity and was deeply mourned by his family and peers.
7. Hubert Gauthreaux
- Age: 21
- Background: A New Orleans native and graduate of Archbishop Shaw High School in 2021.
Details on the Injured
- Ryan Quigley: Former Princeton football player.
- University of Georgia Student: Critically injured and receiving treatment.
- Others: Two 20-year-old women from Florida and several international victims, including Israeli and Mexican nationals.
Key Background on the Attack
- Suspect: Shamsud-Din Jabbar, a 42-year-old U.S. citizen from Texas, drove a rented Ford truck into the crowd on Bourbon Street at 3:15 a.m. and later opened fire on police.
- Outcome: Jabbar was killed during a shootout with law enforcement.
- Potential Links:
- Videos posted by Jabbar indicated possible ISIS inspiration.
- Improvised explosive devices were found in the truck and surrounding areas.
- A nearby house fire appears connected to the incident.
Community Response
New Orleans remains in mourning as authorities investigate the attack. Meanwhile, Bourbon Street has reopened, preparing for the rescheduled Sugar Bowl. Residents and officials continue to rally around the victims and their families during this difficult time.
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