Nikyra Dedeaux, Reggie Hunter, Tiger Bech, and Nicole Perez are among the individuals identified as deceased victims of the New Year’s Day “act of terrorism” attack on Bourbon Street in New Orleans.
The perpetrator, 42-year-old Shamsud-Din Jabbar, drove a pickup truck from Canal Street onto Bourbon Street at approximately 3:15 a.m., killing 15 people, and injuring 35 during New Year celebrations. According to the FBI, an ISIS flag was discovered in the vehicle, along with weapons and a possible improvised explosive device.
Remembering the Victims
Nikyra Dedeaux, 18
Dexter, affectionately known as “Biscuit” by friends and “Cheyenne” by her family, was from Gulfport, Mississippi. She planned to begin a nursing program at Blue Cliff College on January 13. Her friends described her as a “sweet little ball of sunshine” with a wide circle of friends.
“I just want to see my baby,” Dedeaux, 40, said tearfully. “She was the sweetest person. She would give you anything.”
Reggie Hunter, 37
Hunter, a Baton Rouge resident and father of two, was a warehouse manager known for his dedication to fitness and family. He visited Bourbon Street with a cousin, who remains hospitalized with serious injuries. Hunter’s family recalled his love for working out and spending time with loved ones.
Tiger Bech, 27
Bech, 27, was a Lafayette native and a former football star who played at Princeton University, where he earned a degree in finance. Bech worked as a trader in New York but returned to New Orleans to celebrate the holidays. Tragically, he succumbed to his injuries after being kept on life support until his family arrived.
He was remembered as an all-state athlete and the older brother of former LSU player Jack Bech.
Nicole Perez, 28
Perez, 28, had recently been promoted to manager at Kimmy’s Deli in Metairie and was preparing to move into a new apartment with her 4-year-old son. Despite facing recent hardships, Perez’s boss, Kimberly Usher, described her as a dedicated mother who worked tirelessly to create a better life for her son.
“She was a good mom,” Usher shared. “She learned quickly and just wanted to be successful.”
A GoFundMe campaign has been set up to support Perez’s family.
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