Janice R. Andrews
On a tragic New Year’s Eve, a truck-ramming attack took the lives of 14 people on Bourbon Street in New Orleans. The suspect, Shamsud-Din Jabbar, reportedly had a deadly intention when he drove a pickup truck around barricades and plowed into a crowd celebrating the new year. As details emerge, family and friends are remembering the victims as beautiful, joyful people with bright futures.
Here’s what we know so far about the lives of the victims:
Kareem Badawi
Kareem Badawi, a recent graduate of Episcopal School of Baton Rouge, was killed in the attack. Badawi, a student at the University of Alabama, was mourned by both his family and the university. “I grieve alongside family and friends of Kareem in their heartbreaking loss,” University President Stuart Bell stated.
Tiger Bech, 27
Tiger Bech was a former Princeton University football player who had moved to New York City to work for Seaport Global. He was in Louisiana with college friends for a long weekend of hunting and fishing. Bech’s mother, Michelle Bech, described him as someone who “lived life to the fullest” and was “on top of the world.” Princeton’s football coach Bob Surace praised him as a “beloved teammate and a caring friend.”
Drew Dauphin
Drew Dauphin, a 2023 graduate of Auburn University, was another victim in the attack. Auburn University President Christopher B. Roberts expressed condolences, describing the loss as a “senseless tragedy.”
Nikyra Cheyenne Dedeaux, 18
Nikyra Dedeaux, a sweet and outgoing 18-year-old aspiring nurse, was killed in the attack. Her mother, Melissa Dedeaux, had worried for her daughter’s safety when she went to Bourbon Street, especially after last year’s New Year’s Eve visit. Despite her concerns, her daughter was determined to enjoy the night. Nikyra’s mother hopes people remember her as a “good person” who was loved by many.
Hubert Gauthreaux, 21
Hubert Gauthreaux, a graduate of Archbishop Shaw High School, was also killed in the attack. The school released a statement grieving his loss, remembering him as a member of the Class of 2021.
Reggie Hunter, 37
Reggie Hunter, a beloved father of two, was another victim of the attack. His cousin, Shirell Jackson, remembered him as “the life of the party” with a big heart. She described the loss as “senseless” and expressed that Hunter had “so much more life to live.”
Nicole Perez, 27
Nicole Perez, a 27-year-old mother, was a victim of the attack. She had recently been promoted to manager at a store and was excited about her new role. Her employer, Kimberly Usher-Fall, remembered her as a dedicated employee and a great mother to her 4-year-old son. Perez had been out with friends to celebrate New Year’s Eve when she was struck by the truck.
Matthew Tenedorio, 25
Matthew Tenedorio, a fiber optics and video professional, was another victim. His parents, Louis and Cathy Tenedorio, described him as the “life of the room” with an infectious warmth and humor. They last saw him on New Year’s Eve before he went out with friends to celebrate. After losing contact with him, they were left heartbroken, waiting for updates from hospitals and trying to piece together the last moments of his life.
As these victims’ stories unfold, their families and friends are left with grief, shock, and a deep sense of loss. In the face of such tragedy, the memories of their vibrant lives continue to shine brightly.
