Victims of New Orleans terror attack identified: Nikyra Dedeaux, Tiger Bech, Reggie Hunter, Nicole Perez

Local US media have revealed the identities of some of the victims of a terror attack that killed 15 people on New Year’s Day in New Orleans.

Shamsud-Din Jabbar, a 42-year-old US citizen born in Texas, drove a pickup truck into a crowd of people celebrating the New Year in the French Quarter of New Orleans at around 3.15am Wednesday local time.

After the crash, Mr Jabbar was killed in a shootout with police.

The FBI, which is leading the investigation, said it is treating the incident as an “act of terrorism”.

Among those confirmed dead, were a student nurse, a Princeton footballer, and two young parents.

Nikyra Cheyenne Dedeaux

Nikyra Cheyenne Dedeaux, an 18-year-old from Gulfport, Mississippi was celebrating the start of 2025 with her cousin in New Orleans when she was killed.

The young woman, also known to friends as “Biscuit”, was enrolled at Blue Cliff College, where she was going to start a nursing program on January 13.

Her mother, Melissa Dedeaux who confirmed her death, cried as she told local media: “I just want to see my baby.”

“She was the sweetest person. She would give you anything, anything.”

Reggie Hunter

Reggie Hunter, a father of two who worked as a warehouse manager, was celebrating New Year’s with his cousin on Bourbon Street when they were both reportedly hit by the truck driving at speed.

Mr Hunt was confirmed dead, his cousin was raced to the hospital in a critical condition.

The young father had two sons, one 12-year-old and the other just 18 months old.

Shirley Jackson, a cousin of Mr Hunter told local media: “You are praying for a prosperous year in 2025, and never do you think this is the news you are going to get.”

Tiger Bech

Tiger Bech, a 27-year-old former college football player and finance professional, died from injuries sustained in the shocking attack.

The footballer graduated from Princeton University in 2021 with a degree in finance. Mr Bech was working as a trader at a brokerage firm in New York and is understood to have been in New Orleans on holiday.

Mr Bech’s family raced to the hospital to be by his side. His life support was later switched off.

His mother Michelle Bech said her son lived life to the fullest and was “on top of the world”.

Nicole Perez

Young mother Nicole Perez has been identified as one of the fatalities in the devastating terror attack.

The newly promoted manager of Kimmy’s Deli in Metairie, Louisiana, was out with her friends celebrating the new year when she was struck by the pickup truck driven by Mr Jabbar.

Her employer, Kimberly Usher, said Ms Perez “was a good mum” as she spoke about the horrific incident.

Ms Usher confirmed she is currently caring for Ms Perez’s four-year-old son Melo, with the assistance of friends following her death.

Hubert Gauthreaux

Family members of Hubert Gauthreaux launched a desperate plea on social media after the attack to find the 21-year-old who was celebrating New Year’s in the area.

Tragically, a family member updated friends and family that Mr Gauthreaux had been found at a hospital, where he passed away.

Kareem Bawadi

Recent school graduate Kareem Bawadi was on Bourbon Street for New Year’s with friend Parker Vidrine.

The former Episcopal School of Baton Rouge students were critical injured in the attack.

The school later confirmed Mr Bawadi had lost his life and Mr Vidrine remained in hospital.

Matthew Tenedorio

Fiber optics and video professional Matthew Tenedorio, 25, was last seen at dinner on New Year’s Eve before he left with friends for a night out on Bourbon Street.

His parents, Louis and Cathy, described their son as the “life of the room” and said he had a bright future.