NEW ORLEANS — During a Mass held at the St. Louis Cathedral in New Orleans on Sunday, church leaders addressed the lingering unease following a tragic incident on New Year’s Day, where a man recklessly drove down Bourbon Street, resulting in numerous casualties. Very Rev. Patrick Williams, who presided over the service, called on attendees to pray for the victims and their families, emphasizing the choice between fear and hope.

The attack claimed the lives of fourteen individuals and injured nearly thirty others. The perpetrator, a U.S. citizen who had voiced allegiance to the Islamic State group, died following a confrontation with the police. In observance of the tragedy, Louisiana Governor Jeff Landry proclaimed a mourning period starting Monday, dedicating each day to the remembrance of a different victim.

As the community seeks healing, the Joan of Arc Parade, marking the commencement of Carnival season in the city, is scheduled to unfold in the French Quarter. Event organizer Antoinette de Alteriis expressed her hope that this celebration would reinforce a message of resilience and positivity. “We are here. We are celebrating life. We are choosing hope and we are choosing joy,” she stated.

The victims of the attack varied in age and backgrounds, with the youngest being just 18 years old and the oldest at 63. Here are some of their stories:

**LaTasha Polk** was a devoted nursing assistant and a mother from New Orleans, who was mourned deeply by her family. Her relatives held a vigil, lighting candles in her memory after receiving confirmation of her death. Cousin Sebastian Polk described her as a sisterly figure, while other family members gathered to share their grief. “She was a loving person, and for her life to be taken away — unimaginable,” lamented her aunt Kim Polk.

**Edward Pettifer**, a 31-year-old British citizen, was described by his family as a “wonderful son, brother, grandson, nephew, and a friend to so many.” His loss resonated beyond family, reaching the royal circles as his stepmother had once worked for the British royal family. Pettifer’s family expressed their deep sorrow and solidarity with other victims’ families.

**Brandon Taylor**, 43, was a restaurant cook from New Orleans who had a passion for music, particularly rap. His fiancée, Heather Genusa, was with him when tragedy struck, and she expressed her heartfelt anguish, emphasizing that he deserved better than such a cruel fate.

**Elliot Wilkinson**, 40, hailing from Slidell, Louisiana, was remembered fondly by his brother, who expressed deep sorrow at the unexpected loss. Family and friends described him as deeply cherished.

**Terrence “Terry” Kennedy**, 63, enjoyed vibrant walks through the French Quarter, which he had frequented during his years in New Orleans. His niece spoke of the joy he found in his city and how much he loved connecting with others. Tragically, he had just celebrated New Year’s Eve with plans to enjoy the festivities when he became a victim of the reckless attack.

**William “Billy” DiMaio**, 25, was remembered for his gentle spirit and devotion to family. As a media executive in New York City, he was in New Orleans to celebrate with friends. Those close to him remembered him as a remarkable individual who valued relationships deeply.

**Hubert Gauthreaux**, 21, a recent graduate from Archbishop Shaw High School, was also among those tragically lost in the attack.

**Kareem Badawi**, 23, a freshman at the University of Alabama and a son described as full of life, was in New Orleans for the New Year celebrations when tragedy struck. His father shared heartbreaking details, expressing his despair over the sudden and senseless loss of his son.

**Andrew “Drew” Dauphin**, 26, was a recent graduate of Auburn University, who had begun his career with American Honda. The university’s president expressed condolences, noting the significant impact of Drew’s loss not just on family but also within the wider community.

Other victims included **Matthew Tenedorio**, 25, **Nikyra Dedeaux**, 18, **Reggie Hunter**, 37, **Martin “Tiger” Bech**, 27, and **Nicole Perez**, 27, each with their unique stories and contributions, touched many lives and left a profound void in their communities.

In a glimpse of resilience, some individuals injured in the attack are also recovering, including **Ryan Quigley**, a Princeton teammate, and **Jeremi Sensky**, who underwent major surgeries following his injury. Loved ones are rallying around them, hoping to heal as a community together amid the tragedy.