Family members and school communities have identified six of the victims killed in the devastating New Year’s Day terror attack on Bourbon Street in New Orleans. The victims, ranging in age from 18 to 37, represent a cross-section of the vibrant community that was celebrating the start of 2025 in the city’s famed French Quarter. The tragedy unfolded when a rented electric SUV, driven by Shamsud-Din Jabbar, plowed into a crowd before the attacker engaged in a shootout with responding police. Among the lives cut tragically short were Nikyra Dedeaux, 18; Hubert Gauthreaux, 21; Tiger Bech, 28; Nicole Perez, 28; Reggie Hunter, 37; and Kareem Badawi. As families grieve their loved ones, the city of New Orleans has been left reeling from one of the deadliest incidents in its history, with renewed calls for justice and safety.
Nikyra Dedeaux, the youngest of the victims at just 18, had recently graduated from high school and was described by her family as a bright, loving young woman who dreamed of becoming a nurse. Her presence lit up every room, and she was celebrating her acceptance into a local college with friends on Bourbon Street when the attack occurred. Hubert Gauthreaux, 21, was a 2021 graduate of Archbishop Shaw High School and was known for his passion for engineering and his kind-hearted nature. He had returned home for the holidays to spend time with family and friends. Tiger Bech, 28, was an entrepreneur and co-owner of a local bar in the Marigny neighborhood. Known for his vibrant personality and love for New Orleans culture, Bech was a beloved member of the city’s nightlife scene. Nicole Perez, also 28, worked as a teacher and was admired for her dedication to her students and her advocacy for mental health awareness. Reggie Hunter, 37, a father of three and a lifelong New Orleanian, was attending the celebrations with his brother when he was struck. Kareem Badawi, whose family had recently moved to New Orleans, was an aspiring chef who had fallen in love with the city’s rich culinary traditions.
The loss of these six individuals has left a deep void in the hearts of their families, friends, and communities. Vigils are being held across the city to honor their memories, and their stories are serving as powerful reminders of the preciousness of life and the resilience of New Orleans in the face of tragedy. As investigations continue, the city and the nation grapple with the broader implications of the attack, while those who knew and loved the victims vow to carry their legacies forward.
