Memorials, tributes and donations pour in for New Orleans attack victims. What to know
They are being remembered on the streets where they died, with candles and flowers, and in the thoughts and prayers of those who knew them and those who didn't as the city of New Orleans and the nation grieves lives lost and forever changed when a speeding truck plowed into a crowd celebrating New Year's Eve in New Orleans' French Quarter.
In interviews and online, family and friends sought to memorialize the victims – a warehouse manager, a college lacrosse standout, a mother. Most of the 14 dead were young, some barely out of high school and college. All had much more life to live.
About 30 others were injured, including two police officers. The White House announced on Friday that President Joe Biden will travel to New Orleans on Monday to add his condolences to the mounting memorials on Bourbon Street.
Here's what we know about the lives cut short on New Year's Day:
Billy DiMaio
Billy DiMaio, 25, had flown out on New Year's Eve to join three friends and was considering whether to go to the Sugar Bowl with them the next day, his parents said. Tracie and Bill DiMaio described him as deeply-rooted in family, citing his tattoo honoring his 19 cousins with their initials.
"He loved life, he loved his (two) siblings, he loved to help people - he cared for everybody," Bill DiMaio said. "All he wanted to do was help."
DiMaio was a lacrosse standout for Holmdel High School and later Chestnut Hill College in Philadelphia. He was a New York-based account executive at Audacy when he was killed, his employer said in a statement to USA TODAY.
"Beyond his professional achievements, Billy will be fondly remembered for his unwavering work ethic, positive attitude, and kindness. He was a true asset to the Audacy team, and his contributions and presence will be deeply missed," the statement said.
DiMaio grew up on Long Island, coming to Holmdel as a freshman, his parents said. He graduated from Chestnut Hill College in 2022, earning a master's degree in business leadership there as well, his father said.
"Billy was a leader within our community who shined not only as a star student in the classroom, but also as a top athlete, serving as a Captain on our 2022 championship Lacrosse team," the college said in a statement.
Matthew Tenedorio
Matthew Tenedorio, a 25-year-old audiovisual technician at the Superdome and graduate of Pearl River Central High School, was identified as one of the victims in a verified GoFundMe that has raised more than $22,000.
"Matthew was a beloved son, brother, uncle, and friend whose laid-back spirit and infectious laughter brought joy to everyone around him," the fundraiser said.
Tenedorio spent New Year's Eve with family before heading downtown with friends, Christina Bounds, Tenedorio's cousin who helped start the GoFundMe, told USA TODAY. Bounds said when the attack began, Tenedorio and his friends moved toward the chaos to try to help the injured but quickly got separated.
Bounds said she remembers Tenedorio as "all around really kind."
"Matthew would always say 'Hey Tina, come give me a hug.' He was 6'2" so he's towering over me," she recalled. "His smile would light up and just make me smile, and that's my fondest memory of him."
Nikyra Cheyenne Dedeaux
Nikyra Cheyenne Dedeaux, a recent graduate of Harrison Central High School, was among those killed in the truck attack, her mother, Melissa Dedeaux told USA TODAY.
Melissa Dedeaux said her daughter, who was one of six siblings, likely wanted to have some fun before starting a nursing program in January. She described her 18-year-old daughter as an "outgoing, very smart girl" who often helped care for her 1-year-old sister.
"She was a sweet person. She was a people person," Melissa Dedeaux said.
When your parents say don’t go anywhere please listen to them…this was an act of terroism and now my baby is gone...
Posted by Melissa Dedeaux on Wednesday, January 1, 2025
"She was her mama and daddy's favorite," she said.
Dedeaux said though her daughter was not the type to get into trouble, she snuck out with her cousin and a friend to go to New Orleans for New Year's Eve without permission. Dedeaux urged others not to travel without letting someone know where they're going.
"Let your parents know where you are, because it could be you," she said.
Nikyra Dedeaux's friend, 18-year-old Zion Parsons, told The Times-Picayune the teens were leaving Voodoo Chicken and Daquiris on Bourbon Street near Bienville Street when he heard a commotion. Dedeaux darted into the street and into the path of the barreling truck.
Parsons told the outlet Dedeaux went by the nickname "Biscuit" and always had a positive attitude. "You know those kinds of people where you can’t find a reason to dislike them? She was one of those people," Parsons said.
Martin 'Tiger' Bech
Former Princeton University football player Martin "Tiger" Bech was killed in the New Orleans truck attack, his brother, Jack Bech, confirmed on social media. Tiger Bech, 28, was a sociology major and All-Ivy League performer, spending three seasons at Princeton from 2016 to 2018.
"Love you always brother," Jack Bech, a Texas Christian University standout, wrote on X. "You inspired me (every day) now you get to be with me in every moment. I got this family T, don't worry. This is for us."
Martin Bech's death was first announced by Kim Broussard, the athletic director at St. Thomas More Catholic High School in Lafayette, Louisiana, where he attended. Broussard told KLFY, a local news station in Louisiana, that Bech died late Wednesday morning after he was placed on life support until his family could arrive.
Marty Cannon, the principal at Bech's high school, described Bech as an uncommon intellect and athlete.
"He was just a guy of tremendous depth as well. He was smart, he was an intellectual, just an impressive guy," Cannon told Reuters. Bech, who worked in finance in New York, was in town for the holidays, Cannon said.
Nearly $80,000 has been raised through a GoFundMe launched to raise funds for Bech's funeral and the medical expenses of his close friend Ryan Quigley, who was injured in the attack.
Quigley graduated from Princeton University in 2020 with a degree in history. A university alumni database shows the same Lower Manhattan apartment address listed for Quigley and Bech, both of whom played for Princeton's football team. Both men's alumni profiles also list Seaport Global Holdings LLC as an employer.
"There was no more appropriate nickname of a Princeton player I coached," Princeton football coach Bob Surace said in an announcement. "He was a 'Tiger' in every way ? a ferocious competitor with endless energy, a beloved teammate and a caring friend. Our last conversation was about how proud I was of the growth he showed during his time at Princeton and the success he was having after graduation. My love goes to the entire Bech family."
Reggie Hunter
Reggie Hunter, 37, died from his injuries, and his cousin suffered extensive injuries when a truck barreled down Bourbon Street early Wednesday, family members told USA TODAY. Hunter's sister, Arteshia Hunter, said the pair "usually do everything together" and were walking to their car when the attack occurred.
Arteshia Hunter set up a GoFundMe to raise money for his funeral expenses. She said her brother's death has been especially difficult for the family because their mother also recently died. She remembers Hunter, the oldest of four siblings, was a jokester who "really, really, really loved" his 11-year-old and 1-year-old son.
Hunter's brother, Albert Curry, recalled that although Hunter worked constantly, he also liked to have fun. Curry told his brother he loved him when he last saw him at Christmas and had hoped to see him on New Year's. It was only after Hunter's death that Curry learned he'd gone to New Orleans.
"He just was a loving, fun person, a caring person," Curry said. "I just miss my brother already."
Shirell Jackson told The Times-Picayune and ABC News that her cousin was a warehouse manager who loved working out and fashion.
"He was the city slicker. The tennis shoes have to match the hat," she said.
Nicole Perez
The death of Nicole Perez, 27, was confirmed by her employer Kimberly Usher to Reuters. She said Perez had just gotten a promotion and was teaching her 4-year-old son to read before she was killed.
Perez would occasionally bring her son to work and play spelling games with him, said Usher, who owns the New Orleans-area deli where Perez worked. She said Perez was a hard-working mother and dedicated employee.
"She was just getting a new apartment, so her and her son were about to start their new life," Usher said. "And now that's no more."
Usher set up a GoFundMe page to help with expenses. GoFundMe told USA TODAY the organization was in the process of verifying the fundraiser.
As we all have now heard about the attack on bourbon, I can share that one of my friends and managers , Nicole, was a...
Posted by Kimberly Usher Fall on Wednesday, January 1, 2025
"She was so beautiful and full of life. Her son Melo is now without his momma, and we are without our friend and dedicated employee," the fundraiser said. "I'm hoping to get some help for her burial expenses and to help her son with expenses he will need to transition into a new living situation."
Kareem Badawi
Kareem Badawi, who graduated from the Episcopal School of Baton Rouge last year, died as a result of the attack, according to a statement released by the school. The school could not confirm Badawi's age.
Another recent graduate, Parker Vidrine, was hospitalized after being critically injured, the school said. The school announced on social media it will hold a prayer service for the community Thursday evening.
"As an Episcopal community, we are called to support one another during times of great sorrow. I encourage you to hold these alumni, their families, and all who are grieving in your thoughts and prayers," the statement said.
Badawi also attended the University of Alabama, President Stuart R. Bell said in a statement Wednesday.
"I grieve alongside family and friends of Kareem in their heartbreaking loss," Bell said.
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Posted by Belal Badawi on Wednesday, January 1, 2025
Belal Badawi, who said on Facebook that his son died in the attack, told the New York Times that Kareem, the youngest of three children, was very social and had joined the Sigma Chi fraternity.
“He was a lovely boy,” his father said.
Hubert Gauthreaux
Archbishop Shaw High School in Marrero, Louisiana, announced Wednesday night that 21-year-old alumnus Hubert Gauthreaux was killed in the attack. Gauthreaux graduated in 2021.
"He is remembered fondly for his infectious smile and humor by all school employees and his classmates. Our thoughts and prayers are with Hubert’s family, friends, and loved ones during this incredibly difficult time," the school said in a statement to USA TODAY Thursday.
Brooke Gauthreaux told the New York Times her brother was her best friend and a selfless family member who would drop what he was doing to help others.
"Just last week, he took a tire off his car to let his friend borrow, and he drove around on a spare tire,” she told the outlet.
Drew Dauphin
Auburn University President Christopher B. Roberts announced Thursday that 2023 graduate Drew Dauphin was among those killed in the New Orleans truck attack. Dauphin worked as a supplier process engineer at American Honda Motor Company in Alabama, according to his LinkedIn profile.
"Words cannot convey the sorrow the Auburn Family feels for Drew’s family and friends during this unimaginably difficult time. Our thoughts are with the Dauphin family and the families of all the victims of this senseless tragedy," Roberts said.
Dauphin, 26, was happiest spending time at Lake Martin with his little brother, Matthew, his family said in a statement released to multiple media outlets.
"Drew lit up every room he entered. His smile was infectious. He had the best personality," the statement said. "We are such a tight family, dependent on each other, friends, family and neighbors. We cherish the 26 years that we had with him and raising him will always be one of the greatest joys of our lives."
Message from Auburn University President Christopher B. Roberts: On behalf of Auburn University, I send my sincere...
Posted by Auburn University on Thursday, January 2, 2025
During his time at Auburn, Dauphin worked at the university's radio frequency identification lab.
"Drew was an excellent co-worker and always brought a positive attitude to the lab. Our heartfelt condolences go out to his friends and family," the Auburn University RFID Lab shared in a Facebook post on Thursday. "He will be greatly missed."
Dauphin was also a member of the Phi Delta Theta Alabama Beta Chapter at Auburn, according to a post from the fraternity. "Drew was an exemplary student, man, and brother who demonstrated what it truly meant to be a Phi," the fraternity said.
Dauphin graduated in 2016 from the Alabama Christian Academy, which shared its condolences on Facebook on Thursday.
"Drew is remembered as a friend, leader, and key part of ACA’s baseball and football programs. Our hearts are heavy as we share in the grief of this loss with the Dauphin family and Drew’s many friends and classmates," the school said.
Terrence Kennedy
Family members told WDSU and The Times-Picayune 63-year-old Terrence Kennedy was among those killed in New Orleans this week.
Two of Kennedy's nine siblings, Jacqueline and LaTonya Kennedy, remembered him as being comical, loving and kind in an interview with WDSU. Jacqueline Kennedy told the outlet her brother told her he was on Bourbon Street and wished her a happy new year before his death.
"I said, Terry, be careful out there, and he said,' You know me, I'm going to be alright,'" Kennedy said.
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Posted by Jacqueline Kennedy on Thursday, January 2, 2025
Kennedy grew up in Uptown New Orleans and graduated from Walter Cohen High School, his family told The Times-Picayune. His niece, Monisha James, told the outlet her uncle loved NFL teams including the Saints, the Chiefs, and his favorite Pittsburgh Steelers.
Kennedy was the "nicest person in the world," James said.
Edward Pettifer
Edward Pettifer, 31, of London, was among those killed in the attack, U.K. officials said Saturday. Pettifer had ties to the royal family as the stepson of the former nanny of Prince William and Prince Harry.
“The entire family are devastated at the tragic news of Ed‘s death in New Orleans. He was a wonderful son, brother, grandson, nephew and a friend to so many," Pettifer's family said in a statement released by the Metropolitan Police Service.
"We will all miss him terribly. Our thoughts are with the other families who have lost their family members due to this terrible attack. We request that we can grieve the loss of Ed as a family in private. Thank you.”
Pettifer's father Charles, a former British army officer, married Alexandra Pettifer, who then went by Tiggy Legge-Bourke, in 1999. Prince Harry and Prince William both attended the wedding. She has remained close with their families since.
Prince William extended his condolences to the Pettifer family on Saturday morning.
"Catherine and I have been shocked and saddened by the tragic death of Ed Pettifer," William said in a statement on X. "Our thoughts and prayers remain with the Pettifer family and all those innocent people who have been tragically impacted by this horrific attack."
Elliot Wilkinson
Elliot Wilkinson, 40, had a history of mental illness and had recently gotten out of prison but was searching for a new apartment. He had recently been referred to a local housing program, according to a report in The Times-Picayune newspaper.
Wilkinson was shown two potential residential units on Dec. 30, a spokesperson for a local non-profit that works on homelessness told the newspaper.
On Facebook, his older brother Cecil posted that Elliot was loved and will be truly missed.
“I know life was hard for you at times. But I wasn't expecting to get the phone call this morning you was one of them that got hit in New Orleans in the French Quarter,” Cecil wrote.
Cecil told local radio station KPEL that he had last spoke with his brother six months ago. When he saw a phone call from the 504 area code on his phone, he thought he would be talking with his brother but instead it was the Orleans Parish Coroner's Office.
Elliot leaves behind a daughter, mother, siblings and friend, his brother said.
Brandon Taylor
Brandon Taylor, 43, was ringing in the new year with his fiancee when he was killed.
Taylor "loved the city of New Orleans with all his heart and the city let him down," his fiancee Heather Genusa told local television station WDSU. "Our future together completely shattered and my future husband torn from my life," she said.
Taylor was the last victim to be hit by the van, Genusa told the Times-Picayune.
He loved music and rapping and worked as a cook at Dimartino's in Terrytown, a local restaurant known for its classic New Orleans muffuletta sandwiches.
His mother, Mary Guerrera, told the paper she lost Brandon's older brother to a heart attack last year and has now lost both her children.
“Once I put him to rest, I will have time to cry and cry until I cry it all out,” she told the paper.
LaTasha Polk
LaTasha Polk, 47, was a nurse's assistant and mother of a 14-year-old son. She was celebrating New Year's with her brother on Bourbon street when she was killed, her family told The Advocate newspaper of Baton Rouge. Polk lived in New Orleans' Tremé neighborhood.
While the Orleans Parish Coroner's Office has not yet confirmed her death in association with the attack, family members placed a photo of her up at the memorial, WWL-TV of New Orleans reported.
Polk, a New Orleans resident, is the last of the 14 known victims of the attack to be identified. On Saturday, her family told the Times-Picayune that her brother, Printisis Polk, was still missing.
The injured
The crash came hours before the city was expected to host the Sugar Bowl college football game between the University of Georgia and Notre Dame. A University of Georgia student was critically injured in the assault, university President Jere Morehead said in a statement.
Two 19-year-old Fort Myers women ? Elle Eisele, a University of Georgia student, and Steele Idelson, a San Diego State University student ? were both critically injured, according to a statement from The Canterbury School.
Two Israeli citizens were also hurt, and a consulate representative is traveling to New Orleans, Israel’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs said on X. The Mexican Ministry of Foreign Affairs said on X two Mexicans were injured but are reportedly in stable condition.
Contributing: Elizabeth Weise, Claire Thornton, Greta Cross and Jeanine Santucci, USA TODAY; Ken Serrano and Joe Mason, Asbury Park Press; Lici Beveridge, Mississippi Clarion-Ledger; Austin Curtright, USA TODAY NETWORK; Dave Osborn, Fort Myers News-Press; Reuters
(This story was updated to add new information.)
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: New Orleans attack victims include new grad, lacrosse player and a mom