A tragic New Year’s Day attack in New Orleans left 15 dead, including an 18-year-old girl and a father of two, shocking the community.
New Orleans: It was a heartbreaking start to the New Year for many families. A suspected terror attack on Bourbon Street left 15 people dead, including an 18-year-old girl and a father of two. The tragedy unfolded around 3:15 AM when a pickup truck, driven by Shamsud-Din Jabbar, plowed into the crowd.
Witnesses reported seeing an ISIS flag on the vehicle, and authorities found weapons and a possible explosive device inside. While the victims’ identities are still being confirmed, families have begun sharing their grief online.
Among those lost was Nikyra Cheyenne Dedeaux, just 18, who was excited to start nursing school. She was celebrating with friends when the truck struck. Her friend described her as a “little ball of sunshine,” someone who always lifted others’ spirits.
Then there’s Reggie Hunter, 37, a warehouse manager from Baton Rouge. He had just decided to visit Bourbon Street that night. He leaves behind a wife and two young kids, and his family is devastated by the loss.
Another victim, Tiger Bech, was a 27-year-old former football player who had just returned to New Orleans for the holidays. He was remembered as someone who lived life to the fullest, and his mother shared how proud she was of him.
Nicole Perez, also 27, was celebrating with friends when she was hit. She had just been promoted at work and was a devoted mother to her four-year-old son. Her family is now seeking help for her funeral expenses and to support her son.
This tragic event has left a deep scar on the community, and many are coming together to remember those who were lost.
