NEW ORLEANS — Victims are being identified after New Year’s celebrations turned deadly following a mass killing of people and dozens hospitalized. FBI identified the suspect as 42-year-old Shamsud-Din Jabbar from Texas.
Here’s what we know about the victims:
Nikyra Cheyenne Dedeaux
18-year-old Nikyra Cheyenne Dedeaux, Tiger Bech, and a Baton Rouge father are three of the 15 victims killed, including the suspect in the deadly Bourbon Street attack, with at least 35 hospitalized.
Dedeaux came to visit the city from Gulfport with her cousin and friend to celebrate the New Year. Dedeaux, who was called “Cheyenne” by her family, wasn’t supposed to be in New Orleans, her mother told NOLA.com. She said she snuck away with her 18-year-old cousin and their friend Zion Parson, 18.
The Orleans Parish Coroner’s Office has not officially confirmed Cheyenne Dedeaux’s death, but Melissa Dedeaux said she knows her daughter was killed.
Tiger Bech
Tiger Bech, 27, who was a 2015 graduate of St. Thomas More Catholic High School was also killed. The school sent a statement following his death. Bech is the older brother of former LSU player Jack Bech. Bech was kept on life support until his family could arrive, NOLA.com reported.
“The St. Thomas More Catholic High School community mourns the loss of one of our own, Tiger Bech, who passed away early this morning as a result of the attack on New Year’s revelers in New Orleans. Tiger was a 2015 graduate and standout in football, lacrosse, and track and field. We will host a Rosary and Prayer Service for Tiger and the Bech family this evening. Details are still in the works.
As we learn more we will relay to everyone. Please keep the Bech family, and all of the victims of this attack, in your prayers. Eternal rest grant unto them, O Lord, and let perpetual light shine upon them. May the souls of all the faithful departed, through the mercy of God, rest in peace. Amen.”
Reggie Hunter
The Baton Rouge father of two was identified as Reggie Hunter, 37. According to NOLA.com Hunter went to Bourbon Street “on a whim” to ring in the New Year with a cousin. His first cousin, Shirell Jackson, said he and his cousin were both hit. Hunter died from his injuries while his cousin was among the 35 who were hospitalized.
A GoFundMe was created to help the family with Hunter’s funeral expenses.
A UGA student was also critically injured in the terrorist attack and is receiving medical treatment, the school said. A GoFundMe was created to help the family with his funeral expenses.
Nicole Perez
A 28-year-old mother from Metairie also died in the attack, according to NOLA.com. Perez had just been promoted to manager at Kimmy’s Deli at Lakeway, where she worked her boss said. Her four-year-old son is in the care of loved ones. She was remembered as a good mom and wanted to be successful. A GoFundMe was started by her manager, Kimberly Usher, for her funeral expenses and for her son.
Matthew Tenedorio
25-year-old Matthew Tenedorio was killed. ” He was the youngest out of his two siblings. His family said he was an audiovisual technician for the Superdome. A GoFundMe was created to help with funeral costs. “Matthew Tenedorio was tragically shot and killed in the devastating terrorist attack in New Orleans,” his family posted in the GoFundMe.
Kareem Badawi
One of the two Episcopal School of Baton Rouge alumni victims died as a result of their injuries, WBRZ reported. A prayer service will be held at the Lewis Family Memorial Chapel on Thursday at 6 p.m. No photo is available at this time. Parker Vidrine was critically injured in the attack.
The school issued a statement.
“Dear Episcopal Community,
It is with a profound sense of sorrow and grief that we share difficult news involving members of our Episcopal family. Earlier today, we learned of a horrific attack in New Orleans that has tragically impacted our school community. Because of the sensitive nature and out of respect for the families, there is only so much that is appropriate to share at this time. We are deeply saddened to share that alumnus Parker Vidrine ’24 was critically injured and is hospitalized, and alumnus Kareem Bawadi ’24 tragically passed away as a result of the attack.”
Hubert Gauthreaux
21-year-old Hubert Gauthreaux, 21, was confirmed dead by multiple family members, according to NOLA.com. His family initially posted that he was missing on social media. Archbishop Shaw High School issued a statement. The school said Gauthreaux graduated in 2021.
“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.
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.
Eternal rest grant unto him, O Lord, and let perpetual light shine upon him. May the souls of all the faithful departed, through the mercy of God, rest in peace.”
GoFundMe launched a hub of verified fundraisers for victims and their families. Click here on how you can help.
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