What we know about the victims
As the investigation into the New Orleans truck attack continues, officials and families are grieving the loss of 14 innocent lives. Below is a summary of what is known about each of the victims.
Elliot Wilkinson
Cecil Wilkinson said in a message to his little brother, Elliot Wilkinson, on Facebook that he was loved “and you will truly be missed.” Elliot was reportedly killed in the attack.
Terrence “Terry” Kennedy
Terrence Kennedy, a retired maintenance worker and New Orleans native, was struck by the vehicle and later pronounced dead at a hospital. He was 43 years old and had spent the evening celebrating his birthday with family and friends before heading out to Bourbon Street to catch the fireworks.
Billy DiMaio
Billy DiMaio, a 25-year-old account executive from New Jersey, was killed in the attack. He had been in town to celebrate his friend’s 30th birthday and was at the wrong place at the wrong time.
Hubert Gauthreaux
Hubert Gauthreaux, a 21-year-old graduate of Archbishop Shaw High School, was struck by the vehicle and later pronounced dead at a hospital. His family and friends are still struggling to come to terms with their loss.
Kareem Badawi
Kareem Badawi, a University of Alabama freshman from Louisiana, was killed in the attack. His family had been looking forward to celebrating the start of a new year and a new beginning.
Drew Dauphin
Drew Dauphin, a 26-year-old supplier process engineer at American Honda Motor Company, was killed in the attack. His family and colleagues are still grieving his loss.
Matthew Tenedorio
Matthew Tenedorio, a 25-year-old audiovisual technician at the Superdome, was killed in the attack. His family has set up a GoFundMe page to cover his funeral costs and to support his loved ones.
Nikyra Dedeaux
Nikyra Dedeaux, an 18-year-old responsible daughter and niece, was struck by the vehicle and later pronounced dead at a hospital. Her family and friends are still in shock over their loss.
Reggie Hunter
Reggie Hunter, a 37-year-old father of two from Baton Rouge, was killed in the attack. His cousin, who was with him that night, survived but is recovering from his injuries.
Tiger Bech
Tiger Bech, a former Princeton student-athlete, was killed in the attack. His family and friends have set up a GoFundMe page to cover his funeral costs and to support his loved ones.
Nicole Perez
Nicole Perez, a 26-year-old single mother and employee at Kimmy’s Deli, was killed in the attack. Her boss has set up a GoFundMe page to cover her funeral costs and to support her family.
Injured
Several others were injured in the attack, including a critically injured University of Georgia student. The Israeli Ministry of Foreign Affairs has also reported that two Israeli citizens were injured in the attack.
How to help
A GoFundMe page has been set up for the victims and their families, and donations are being accepted at [link to GoFundMe page]. Additional information on how to help the victims and their families can be found on [link to resource].
How did the investigation unfold?
The FBI has released few details on the investigation so far, but officials have said that the attack was an act of terrorism. The suspect, 42-year-old Shamsud-Din Bahar Jabbar, a U.S. citizen from Texas, was apprehended at the scene and faces charges related to the attack. A flag representing the Islamic State group was found in the truck, and authorities are working to determine if he was associated with any terrorist organizations.
Conclusion
The New Orleans truck attack is a tragic reminder of the ongoing threat of terrorism and the need for vigilance and cooperation. As the city and the country come together to mourn the loss of these 14 innocent lives, we also recognize the courage and resilience of the survivors and the first responders who risked their lives to save others. We will continue to follow developments in the investigation and provide updates as more information becomes available.
FAQs
What is the cause of the New Orleans truck attack?
The FBI has determined that the attack was an act of terrorism, but has not released additional information on the motive or whether the suspect was associated with any terrorist organization.
How many people were killed and injured in the attack?
Fourteen people were killed and over 30 were injured in the attack.
What is the status of the suspect?
The suspect, Shamsud-Din Bahar Jabbar, a U.S. citizen from Texas, was apprehended at the scene and faces charges related to the attack.
