Jan 2, 2024 Story by: Editor
NEW ORLEANS (AP) — A devastating truck attack early Wednesday morning claimed the lives of 15 people on Bourbon Street, including an 18-year-old aspiring nurse, a single mother, a father of two, and a former Princeton football star. The incident unfolded as holiday revelers packed the iconic New Orleans street to celebrate the New Year.
Authorities have yet to release the identities of the victims, but families and friends are beginning to share their stories. New Orleans Coroner Dr. Dwight McKenna stated late Wednesday that the names of the deceased would be disclosed after autopsies are completed and next of kin are notified. About 30 others sustained injuries in the attack.
Nikyra Dedeaux
Zion Parsons, an 18-year-old from Gulfport, Mississippi, was celebrating New Year’s Eve on Bourbon Street when a white pickup truck plowed through the crowd, striking his friend, 18-year-old Nikyra Dedeaux.
“A truck hit the corner and came barreling through throwing people like in a movie scene, throwing people into the air,” Parsons told The Associated Press. “It hit her and flung her like at least 30 feet, and I was just lucky to be alive.”
As chaos erupted, Parsons described running through a scene of carnage. “Bodies, bodies all up and down the street, everybody screaming and hollering,” he said. “People crying on the floor, like brain matter all over the ground. It was just insane, like the closest thing to a war zone that I’ve ever seen.”
Dedeaux, who dreamed of becoming a nurse, was described by Parsons as a dedicated and responsible young woman. Despite being shorter than her siblings, she was known for taking care of everyone. She worked at a hospital and was set to start college to pursue her goal of becoming a registered nurse.
“She had her mindset — she didn’t have everything figured out, but she had the plan laid down,” Parsons added.
Reggie Hunter
Among those killed in the attack was 37-year-old Reggie Hunter, a father of two from Baton Rouge. Hunter had just finished work and was celebrating the New Year with a cousin when the truck struck, according to his first cousin, Shirell Jackson.
Hunter lost his life in the tragedy, while his cousin sustained injuries, Jackson told Nola.com.
Tiger Bech
The attack also claimed the life of 27-year-old Tiger Bech, a former high school and college football player from Louisiana. Bech, who had played football at Princeton University, was working as an investment trader in New York.
According to Kim Broussard, athletic director at St. Thomas More Catholic High School in Lafayette, Bech died late Wednesday morning at a New Orleans hospital. Bech had been a standout athlete at the high school, excelling in multiple positions on the football team. At Princeton, he played as a kick returner and receiver, earning All-Ivy League honors.
Princeton football coach Bob Surace reflected on Bech’s competitive spirit, saying, “He might be the first Tiger to ever play for us, and that nickname kind of described him as a competitor. He was somebody that somehow, like in the key moments, just excelled and was full of energy, full of life.”
Bech’s younger brother, Jack, a wide receiver at Texas Christian University, shared a heartfelt tribute on social media: “Love you always brother! You inspired me every day. Now you get to be with me every moment. I got this family T, don’t worry. This is for us.”
Nicole Perez
Nicole Perez, a single mother in her late 20s, was working hard to provide for her 4-year-old son when her life was cut short in the attack.
Perez, recently promoted to manager at Kimmy’s Deli in Metairie, Louisiana, was remembered as a dedicated employee and loving mother. Her employer, Kimberly Usher, confirmed her death through Perez’s sister.
“She was a really good mom,” Usher said, noting that Perez often brought her son, Melo, to work, teaching him basic learning skills during breaks.
To support Perez’s family, Usher launched a GoFundMe campaign to cover burial costs and assist Melo with transitioning to a new living situation. Source: AP News
