The victims of terror: graduates, parents, a football star

Relatives and local schools have identified six people who lost their lives during the New Year’s Day act of terror that occurred on Bourbon Street.

The incident, executed by a suspect motivated by Islamic State ideologies, involved a pickup truck being intentionally driven into crowds before gunshots were fired.

The deceased include recent high school alumni, parents with young children, and a notable athlete.

Nikyra Dedeaux, 18

Originally from Mississippi, Nikyra Dedeaux was envisioned by loved ones as someone with a bright future in nursing. She had traveled to New Orleans to ring in the New Year with her friend Zion Parsons, who survived to recount the attack.

“Bodies were sprawled all over, people screaming and crying,” Parsons narrated, recalling the pandemonium. He emotionally talked about the heartbreaking moment when he had to convey the news of Dedeaux’s passing to her mother.

“I hadn’t had the chance to cry until I called her mom and she asked me, ‘Where’s my child?’ That shattered me,” Parsons stated.

Reggie Hunter, 37

A Baton Rouge father of two, Reggie Hunter, spontaneously decided to visit Bourbon Street after finishing work. A speeding truck struck both him and his cousin. While his cousin survived with injuries, Hunter succumbed to his.

Thirty-seven-year-old Reggie Hunter from Baton Rouge was killed in the truck assault in New Orleans, leaving behind an 11-year-old and a 1-year-old, as shared by his cousin Shirell Robinson Jackson (CNN).

Nearing loss, his family describes him as a dedicated father full of zest. His cousin, Shirell Jackson, expressed that the family’s disbelief is profound.

Tiger Bech, 28

A Princeton University football alumnus and graduate, Tiger Bech fell victim to the attack. Hailing from Lafayette, the 28-year-old was praised as a remarkable athlete and the elder brother of former LSU player Jack Bech.

“You were my daily source of inspiration; now, you are at every moment with me,” his brother conveyed in a touching message online.

Nicole Perez, late 20s

Recently promoted to manager at Kimmy’s Deli in Metairie, Nicole Perez was a single mother raising her 4-year-old son. Her fellow employee, Kimberly Usher, emphasized how diligent she was and committed to improving her son Melo’s quality of life.

Kareem Badawi

Also counted among the victims is Kareem Badawi, a fresh graduate from Episcopal High School. He is remembered by peers and friends for his kindness and ambition, with more details yet to come.

Hubert Gauthreaux, 21

An official from Archbishop Shaw High School confirmed that Hubert Gauthreaux was amongst those killed in the tragic event. Gauthreaux, who graduated in 2021, was commended for his promising potential as a young man.