An Ex-Football Player, an Aspiring Nurse, and a Dad with a 'Big Heart': What We Know About New Orleans Victims

Mar. 15, 2025

From left: Martin “Tiger” Bech; Ni’Kyra Cheyenne Dedeaux; Reggie Hunter.Photo:Princeton Tigers; Melissa Dedeaux/Facebook; Reggie Hunter/Facebook

Princeton Tigers; Melissa Dedeaux/Facebook; Reggie Hunter/Facebook

Crowds of joyous revelers had gathered on New Orleans’ historic Bourbon Street in the heart of the city’s French Quarter to ring in the new year when a pickup truck plowed into them,leaving at least 14 innocent people dead and injuring dozens more.

After the driver crashed his truck at around 3:15 a.m. on New Year’s Day, he was involved in a police shootout which lefttwo officers injured, but in stable condition. The driver, identified as 42-year-oldShamsud-Din Jabbar, died in the exchange of gunfire.

Police later said that Jabbar, who had an ISIS flag in his pickup truck, acted alone, and that the violence was an act of terror.

Here is everything we know about the people who died in the tragic incident in the early morning hours on New Year’s Day:

Martin “Tiger” Bech, 28

Martin “Tiger” Bech.Princeton Tigers

Princeton Tigers

Michelle told the outlet that her son lived life to the fullest and was “on top of the world.” She added that Martin had been in Louisiana for a weekend of hunting and fishing with college friends from Princeton and had been scheduled to fly back to New York City on the afternoon of Wednesday, Jan. 1.

“[He was] a ferocious competitor with endless energy, a beloved teammate and a caring friend,” Princeton football coach Bob Surace said ina statement.

AGoFundMe campaignhas been created to help support the sports star’s family with funeral costs.

Nicole Perez, 27

Nicole Perez.GoFundMe

GoFundMe

Perez was a motherfrom Metairie, La., and had recently been promoted at the deli where she worked, according toABC News.

Kimberley Usher-Fall, Perez’s manager and friend, told the outlet, “She just was a really exciting little young lady,” adding that Perez would often bring her son Melo to the deli, where she would help him learn how to read.

Nicole’s mother spoke about her daughter’s death on theTodayshow Thursday, Jan. 2, saying she had no idea how she was going to break the tragedy to Nicole’s 5-year-old son.

Reggie Hunter, 37

Reggie Hunter.Reggie Hunter/Facebook

Reggie Hunter/Facebook

Hunter was a father-of-two and warehouse manager who had just gotten off work when he decided to celebrate the new year with his cousin, who was injured in the attack but survived, his other cousin, Shirell Jackson, toldNOLA.com.

“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,'” Jackson said, per the outlet. “Just something so simple. ‘Hey cuz, wanna ride me to the city?'”

AGoFundMe campaignhas been created to help offset Hunter’s funeral costs.

Ni’Kyra Cheyenne Dedeaux, 18

Ni’Kyra Cheyenne Dedeaux.Melissa Dedeaux/Facebook

Melissa Dedeaux/Facebook

Dedeaux, a native of Gulfport, Miss., was a recent high school graduate.

“She was a joy for the little time we had her,” Dedeaux’s grandmother, Jennifer Smith, toldThe New York Times. “It’s hard to believe that she’s gone.”

Smith told the new outlet that the teenager’s family didn’t know she was out celebrating and “would’ve discouraged it” had they known.

“None of my kids go to New Year’s parties,” Smith said. “I’ve always had that fear.”

The girl’s mother, Melissa Dedeaux, said her daughter, who planned to attend nursing school, was “a sweet person” who was “outgoing and very loved,” according toABC News.

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Matthew Tenedorio, 25

Matthew Tenedorio.Gofundme

Gofundme

He was an audiovisual technician for the Caesars Superdome, the home of the NFL’s New Orleans Saints, according to the fundraiser.

“Matthew was a beloved son, brother, uncle, and friend whose laid-back spirit and infectious laughter brought joy to everyone around him,” the fundraiser’s description read.

His parents, Louis and Cathy Tenedorio, toldABC Newsthey last saw their son at dinner on New Year’s Eve before he went out to celebrate with friends.

Kareem Badawi

Kareem Badawi.Kareem Badawi/Instagram

Kareem Badawi/Instagram

Badawi was a student at the University of Alabama. University President Stuart R. Bell confirmed he was among the victims killed in the attack ina statementshared on Facebook. PEOPLE couldn’t immediately confirm his age.

“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 wrote.

According toAtlanta News First, Badawi was a graduate of Episcopal High School.

Hubert Gauthreaux, 21

Hubert Gauthreaux.Hubert Gauthreaux/Facebook

Hubert Gauthreaux/Facebook

Drew Dauphin

Drew Dauphin.Auburn University/Facebook

Auburn University/Facebook

“On behalf of Auburn University, I send my sincere condolences to the family and loved ones of 2023 graduate Drew Dauphin who was taken from us in the New Orleans terror attack,” the statement read.

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

Billy DeMaio, 25

Billy DiMaio.Billy DiMaio/LinkedIn

Billy DiMaio/LinkedIn

DeMaio was an account executive at Audacy, an audio entertainment company based in Philadelphia, according to hisLinkedIn profile.

An Audacy spokesperson confirmed the 25-year-old’s death in a statement shared with PEOPLE on the afternoon of Thursday, Jan. 2.

“We are heartbroken to learn of the passing of Billy DiMaio, a New York-based Account Executive, in the terrorist attack in New Orleans,” the spokesperson wrote. “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,” the statement concluded.

According to his LinkedIn profile, DeMaio obtained both a bachelor’s degree in business administration and management and a master’s degree in organizational leadership from Chestnut Hill College in Philadelphia.

Terrence Kennedy, 63

Terrence Kennedy.Terrence Kennedy Facebook

Terrence Kennedy Facebook

Family members identified 63-year-old Kennedy, a New Orleans native, as one of the victims killed in the attack, according toCBS NewsandWDSU.

Kennedy’s niece, Monisha James, said in aFacebook postthat he was fondly known as “Terry” and described him as someone who was “nice” and “quiet.”

His sister told WDSU that he was an avid sports fan, was one of nine siblings, and had a “big heart.”

source: people.com