New Orleans, LA – A nation remains in mourning as details emerge about the victims of the New Year’s Day terror attack on Bourbon Street in New Orleans. Among the 15 lives tragically lost was Drew Dauphin, a 25-year-old Montgomery, Alabama native, Auburn University graduate, and beloved member of his community.
Drew’s death has left his family, friends, and alma maters in profound sorrow, as they grapple with the sudden and senseless loss of a young man who touched so many lives with his warmth, leadership, and kindness.
A Life of Promise: Drew’s Early Years in Montgomery
Born and raised in Montgomery, Alabama, Drew Dauphin was a graduate of Alabama Christian Academy (ACA), where he left a lasting legacy as an exceptional student, athlete, and leader. A 2016 graduate, Drew was deeply involved in both the baseball and football programs, serving as a role model to his peers through his dedication and sportsmanship.
ACA Head of School Josh Roberts released a heartfelt statement in the aftermath of the tragedy:
“The ACA family mourns with the Dauphin family in the loss of their son, Drew, a beloved part of the ACA community and a graduate of 2016. 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.”
Former classmates and teammates echoed these sentiments, recalling Drew’s charismatic personality and unwavering commitment to his community. “Drew was the kind of person who made everyone feel included,” said Michael Trent, a former ACA teammate. “He was a leader both on and off the field, and he truly embodied what it meant to be part of a team.”
Academic and Professional Achievements at Auburn University
After graduating from ACA, Drew attended Auburn University, where he pursued a degree in business administration. He graduated in 2023 and quickly made an impression in the professional world. Known for his tenacity, intelligence, and ability to connect with others, Drew had begun to build a promising career while remaining closely connected to his roots in Montgomery and Auburn.
Auburn University President Christopher B. Roberts expressed the deep sorrow felt by the university community in a statement released on Thursday:
“On behalf of Auburn University, I send my sincere condolences to the family and loved ones of 2023 graduate Drew Dauphin, who was taken from us in the New Orleans terror attack. 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.”
The Auburn community has come together to honor Drew’s memory, with university officials planning a memorial service on campus in the coming weeks. Drew’s peers and professors remember him as a hardworking, compassionate individual who brought energy and positivity to every room he entered.
The Tragedy on Bourbon Street
The attack that claimed Drew’s life occurred early on New Year’s Day, when the suspect, 42-year-old Shamsud-Din Jabbar, drove a truck into a crowd of revelers on Bourbon Street. Federal authorities have since classified the act as domestic terrorism, as investigators continue to piece together the suspect’s motives and actions leading up to the incident.
Drew had traveled to New Orleans with a group of close friends to ring in the new year. The trip, which was meant to be a celebration, ended in heartbreak. Drew was one of the 15 victims killed in the attack, while dozens more sustained injuries.
Eyewitnesses described the chaos of the attack, which unfolded in mere moments but left a lifetime of grief in its wake. “There was no warning,” said one survivor. “One minute we were celebrating, and the next, there was panic everywhere. It’s hard to even process what happened.”
A Community in Mourning
The news of Drew’s passing has sent shockwaves through the Montgomery and Auburn communities, as well as the broader Alabama Christian Academy family. Vigils and memorials have been held to honor his memory, with hundreds gathering to pay their respects.
At a candlelight vigil held at ACA’s football field, friends, former teammates, and teachers shared stories of Drew’s kindness, determination, and the joy he brought to those around him. His former coach, Mark Riley, spoke about Drew’s impact on the field and in life:
“Drew wasn’t just a great athlete—he was a great person. He was the type of player every coach hopes for: hardworking, disciplined, and always willing to lift up his teammates. But more than that, he was someone who genuinely cared about people. This loss is beyond words.”
Drew’s parents, Beth and Daniel Dauphin, released a statement expressing their gratitude for the outpouring of love and support:
“Drew was our light. He had the biggest heart and a smile that could brighten any room. We are devastated by his loss, but we are comforted by the incredible support from our community. Drew would want us to celebrate his life and remember the good times, and we are holding onto those memories as we navigate this unimaginable grief.”
Remembering Drew’s Legacy
Drew’s life, though tragically cut short, was filled with moments of joy, connection, and accomplishment. Those who knew him remember him as a loyal friend, a dedicated student, and a kind-hearted individual who always put others first.
His sister, Lauren Dauphin, shared a heartfelt tribute:
“Drew was my best friend. He was the one I could always count on, no matter what. He had this way of making you feel like you were the most important person in the world when he talked to you. I can’t imagine life without him, but I know he’d want us to stay strong and keep his memory alive.”
**The Nation Grap
pling with the Aftermath of Violence**
Drew Dauphin’s death has become a poignant reminder of the human cost of terrorism, and the attack in New Orleans has reignited national conversations about public safety, community resilience, and the prevention of extremist violence.
Federal authorities confirmed that the suspect, Shamsud-Din Jabbar, acted alone and was driven by extremist ideologies. Investigators are examining Jabbar’s online activities and connections, seeking to understand how he planned the attack.
The Department of Homeland Security issued a statement condemning the violence and vowing to enhance efforts to protect communities from similar acts of terror:
“This senseless act of violence underscores the need for vigilance and unity in the face of domestic terrorism. We stand with the victims, their families, and the communities impacted by this tragedy, and we are committed to ensuring that justice is served.”
Louisiana Governor Jeff Landry echoed these sentiments, calling for increased collaboration between state and federal agencies to prevent future attacks. “We must do everything in our power to make sure this never happens again,” Landry said during a press conference. “The people of Louisiana, and indeed the entire nation, deserve to feel safe in their communities.”
Honoring Drew’s Memory Through Action
As Drew’s loved ones mourn his loss, they are also determined to honor his legacy in meaningful ways. The Dauphin family has announced plans to establish the Drew Dauphin Memorial Fund, which will support scholarships for Alabama Christian Academy students and Auburn University students pursuing leadership and community service initiatives.
“We want Drew’s name to be associated with the things he cared about most: helping others, fostering kindness, and making the world a better place,” said Beth Dauphin. “Through this fund, we hope to keep his spirit alive and ensure that his impact continues to grow.”
Auburn University has also announced plans to plant a tree on campus in Drew’s memory, symbolizing the enduring strength and resilience he represented.
A Life That Will Not Be Forgotten
In the wake of such an unthinkable tragedy, Drew Dauphin’s story has resonated with people far beyond his hometown of Montgomery. His life, marked by leadership, kindness, and achievement, is a reminder of the incredible potential that can be lost in moments of violence.
As his friends, family, and community members come together to grieve, they are united in their commitment to remembering Drew not for how his life ended, but for the profound impact he had on those who knew him.
“Drew would want us to live our lives with the same passion and kindness he did,” said Lauren Dauphin. “He always believed in the power of love and connection. That’s how we’ll honor him—by carrying those values forward.”
Drew’s legacy will continue to inspire all who had the privilege of knowing him, and his memory will live on as a beacon of hope and resilience in the face of adversity.
