Nine Bourbon Street terror attack victims identified

NEW ORLEANS (WVUE) – Family members and school communities have identified eight victims killed in the New Year’s Day terror attack on Bourbon Street, where an Islamic State-inspired suspect deliberately drove a pickup truck through crowds before opening fire.

Thursday, newly identified victims include Drew Dauphin, a recent Auburn University graduate, and Matthew Tenedorio, a beloved audiovisual technician for the Superdome.

Billy DiMaio, 25

Billy DiMaio, a New York-based account executive for the media company Audacy, was among the victims killed in the New Orleans terrorist attack.

In a statement, Audacy expressed their sorrow:

“We are heartbroken to learn of the passing of Billy DiMaio, a New York-based Account Executive, in the terrorist attack in New Orleans. 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. Our thoughts are with Billy’s family and friends during this exceedingly difficult time, and we extend our deepest sympathies to them and every member of the Audacy family who had the privilege of working with him.”

Billy DiMaio, an account executive for the media company Audacy, was among the victims killed in the New Orleans terrorist attack.(LinkedIn)

Drew Dauphin

Auburn University President Christopher B. Roberts issued a heartfelt statement remembering Dauphin, who graduated in 2023.

“Words cannot convey the sorrow the Auburn Family feels for Drew’s family and friends during this unimaginably difficult time. Our thoughts are with the Dauphin family and the families of all the victims of this senseless tragedy,” Roberts said.

Drew Dauphin is among 14 killed in the Bourbon Street terror attack(Auburn University)

Matthew Tenedorio

Tenedorio, a Pearl River Central High School graduate, was remembered by loved ones as a lighthearted and positive presence. He worked as an audiovisual technician at the Superdome, contributing to countless events and memories.

“Matthew was always the one to lighten the mood, able to laugh off life’s challenges and spread positivity wherever he went,” said his family in a GoFundMe campaign launched to cover funeral expenses.

Tenedorio is survived by his parents, Lou and Cathy, his siblings Jonathon and Jeremy, and his niece and nephews, Dalila, Dante, Leo, and Felix.

The Saints and Pelicans released the following statement:

“We remain heartbroken by the tragic events that claimed innocent lives in our city yesterday morning. 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 Pelicans. Our thoughts, prayers, and deepest condolences are with the Tenedorio family and everyone affected by this senseless act of terrorism. Together, as a city, state, and region, we will come back stronger from this tragedy.”

Matthew Tenedorio is among 14 victims killed in the Bourbon Street terror attack(GoFundMe/Family)

The initial victims identified include recent high school graduates, parents of young children, and football stars.

Nikyra Dedeaux, 18

A native of Mississippi, Nikyra Dedeaux was described by her friends and family as a young woman with big dreams of becoming a nurse. She was celebrating New Year’s Eve in New Orleans with her friend Zion Parsons, who witnessed the attack.

“Bodies, bodies all up and down the street, everybody screaming and hollering,” Parsons recounted, describing the chaos. He tearfully shared how he had to inform Dedeaux’s mother of her death.

“I hadn’t had time to cry up until I called her mother and she asked me, ‘Where’s my baby.’ That broke me,” Parsons said.

Nikyra Dedeaux, 18, was killed in Bourbon Street attack(Melissa Dedeaux)

Reggie Hunter, 37

Reggie Hunter, a father of two from Baton Rouge, made a last-minute decision to visit Bourbon Street after finishing his shift at work. Hunter and his cousin were both struck by the speeding vehicle. His cousin survived with injuries, but Hunter tragically died from his.

Reggie Hunter, 37, from Baton Rouge was killed in the New Orleans truck attack, leaving behind an 11-year-old and a 1-year-old, according to his cousin Shirell Robinson Jackson.(CNN)

Family members described him as a devoted father who had a love for life. His cousin, Shirell Jackson, said the family is in shock over the loss.

Tiger Bech, 28

A former Princeton University football star and graduate, Tiger Bech was among the victims of the attack. The 28-year-old Lafayette native was remembered as a standout athlete and the older brother of former LSU football player Jack Bech.

“You inspired me every day; now you get to be with me in every moment,” his brother wrote in a heartfelt social media post.

Tiger Bech(Princeton Football)

Nicole Perez, late 20s

Nicole Perez, a single mother of a 4-year-old son, had just been promoted to manager at Kimmy’s Deli in Metairie. Her coworker, Kimberly Usher, described her as a hardworking woman who was passionate about providing a better life for her son, Melo.

Nicole Perez, 28, was killed in the Bourbon Street terror attack.(GoFundMe/Family)

Kareem Badawi

Among the victims was Kareem Badawi, a recent graduate of Episcopal High School. Friends and classmates remember him as kind and ambitious, though further details are not yet available.

Kareem Badawi(Kareem Badawi/Instagram)

Hubert Gauthreaux, 21

A spokesperson for Archbishop Shaw High School confirmed that Hubert Gauthreaux was among those killed in the attack. Gauthreaux graduated from Shaw in 2021 and was remembered as a bright and promising young man.

Hubert Gauthreaux, 21, is among those killed in the Bourbon Street terror attack.(Archbishop Shaw)

FBI Deputy Director Christopher Raia confirmed Thursday that the attack was premeditated and carried out by 42-year-old Shamsud Din Jabbar, who acted alone. Jabbar killed 14 and injured 35 others after driving into a crowd on Bourbon Street before engaging in a deadly shootout with police.

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