New Orleans: Fifteen people lost their lives, and 30 others were injured when a U.S. Army veteran, reportedly bearing an ISIS flag on his truck, drove through makeshift barriers and into New Year’s Day revelers in New Orleans’ crowded French Quarter. According to a report by the international news agency Reuters, while officials have yet to release the victims’ names, families and associates have identified four of the deceased.
Nicole Perez
Nicole Perez, 28, was a hard-working mother devoted to her 4-year-old son. She had recently been promoted, was moving into a new apartment, and teaching her son to read.
“She was just getting a new apartment, so her and her son were about to start their new life,” said Kimberly Usher, Perez’s boss at a local deli. “And now that’s no more.” Usher remembered Perez as a dedicated employee who often brought her son to work, using the opportunity to play spelling games with him.
Tiger Bech
Tiger Bech, 27, a native of Lafayette, Louisiana, and a Princeton University graduate, was killed during the attack. Marty Cannon, his high school principal, described Bech as both an exceptional athlete and a person of intellectual depth.
“He was smart, he was an intellectual, just an impressive guy,” Cannon said, recalling Bech’s outstanding football skills and achievements at Princeton. Bech, who worked in finance in New York, was visiting New Orleans for the holidays.
Nikyra Cheyenne Dedeaux
Nikyra Dedeaux, 18, was an aspiring nurse from Mississippi. She was set to start nursing school at Blue Cliff College later in January. Dedeaux was in New Orleans celebrating New Year’s with family and friends when her life was cut short.
Also Read | Unprecedented Arrest Attempt for Yoon Suk Yeol as He Stands by Martial Law Decision
In a Facebook post, her mother, Melissa Dedeaux, wrote, “When your parents say don’t go anywhere please listen to them… my baby is gone y’all. My baby is gone. She is no longer with us.”
Reggie Hunter
Reggie Hunter, 37, a father of two from Baton Rouge, was among the victims. Known for his pride in his eldest son’s academic achievements, Hunter also enjoyed working out with friends and family.
Also Read | UK Announces Crackdown on People Smugglers with Tougher Legal Measures
According to the Times-Picayune, Hunter, a warehouse manager, was remembered as a devoted father and a positive influence within his community.
