The first day of 2025 began with a tragic event in the heart of New Orleans. During New Year’s celebrations on iconic Bourbon Street, a vehicle plowed into a crowd, leaving at least 15 people dead and 39 injured. Authorities are investigating the incident as a possible terrorist attack.
The driver of the vehicle, identified as Shamsud-Din Jabbar, a veteran of Texas 42 years old, was killed by the police after an armed confrontation. As investigations continue, family and friends began sharing the identities and memories of those who lost their lives during this tragic night.
Although authorities have not yet officially released the list of the deceased, various sources, including relatives, schools and employers, have revealed details about the lives of some of the victims.
Kareem Badawi
Kareem Badawi, a young student at the University of Alabama, was one of the first victims identified. His father, Belal Badawi, announced his death through a Facebook post, where he expressed his pain and asked for “patience and strength to overcome this loss.”
The deceased, originally from Baton Rouge, had begun his first year of college during the fall of 2023, after graduating from high school.
The president of the University of Alabama, Stuart Bell, also shared words of support: “I am deeply sorry for the loss of Kareem and I am with his family and friends in their grief. “Our university community is offering support to those who need it during these difficult times.”
Tiger Beech
Tiger Bech, 28, a former football player at Princeton, was another of the fatal victims. His mother, Michelle Bech, confirmed his death and described him as “an amazing boy” who lived life to the fullest.
The man excelled in sports during his school years, playing football, lacrosse and track at St. Thomas More Catholic High School in Lafayette, Louisiana.
After graduating from Princeton in 2021, Bech was working as a bond trader in cybersecurity for Seaport Global. In addition to his professional career, he was passionate about fishing and hunting. His brother Jack, in an emotional post on social media, wrote: “I love you always, brother. “You inspired me every day, and now you will be with me every moment.”
Nikyra Cheyenne Dedeaux
The 18-year-old dreamed of becoming a nurse and was about to begin a study program at Blue Cliff College on January 13. His mother, Melissa Dedeaux, confirmed his death in a social media post where she wrote: “I lost my baby, just pray for me and my family please.”
Friends and family remembered Nikyra as a sociable young woman full of plans. His friend Zion Parsons commented that “Cheyenne had everything organized, maybe he didn’t have everything figured out, but his path was clear.” The victim had traveled to New Orleans from Gulfport, Mississippi, to celebrate the New Year.
Hubert Gauthreaux
Gauthreaux, 21, was another victim of the attack. He was a 2021 graduate of Archbishop Shaw High School in New Orleans. The institution mourned his death through a statement.
“We ask the entire Archbishop Shaw community to pray for the repose of the soul of Hubert, his family and his friends during this difficult time,” they said.
Reggie Hunter
Reggie Hunter, 37, was a store manager and father of two sons, Landon, 11, and Christian, 19 months. His cousin Shirell Robinson Jackson confirmed his death and remembered him as someone who “loved his children, his sisters and his father. He was always laughing and joking. “I didn’t deserve this.”
The night of the attack, Hunter was celebrating with his cousin Kevin Ball, who was injured and remains hospitalized. Hunter had sent a New Year’s message to his family just minutes before the incident.
Nicole Pérez
Hispanic Nicole Pérez, 27, mother of a 4-year-old child, was another of the victims. She worked at Kimmy’s Deli in Metairie, where her boss and friend, Kimberly Usher Fall, described her as “happy, hard-working and kind-hearted.”
“The boy no longer has his mother, she was very happy with him. “She was 27 and now she is no longer with me, they took her away from me,” said the victim’s mother, in an interview with NBC News.
Matthew Tenedorio
Matthew Tenedorio, 25, worked as an audiovisual technician at the stadium Caesars Superdome from New Orleans. His family remembered him as a person full of energy and with a great sense of humor. “His contagious laugh lit up any place he went,” said his cousin in a post on social media.
The attack occurred in the early hours of January 1, when a speeding vehicle struck dozens of people celebrating the New Year on Bourbon Street. In addition to the accident, the driver opened fire on those present, which led to a confrontation with the police.
The attacker, Shamsud-Din Jabbarwas killed on the spot after exchanging shots with law enforcement. Although authorities have not yet determined the exact motive for the attack, the incident is being treated as a possible terrorist act.
