January 1st 2025.
In the bustling city of New Orleans, tragedy struck during the early hours of New Year's Day. The streets were filled with holiday party-goers, including an 18-year-old girl with aspirations of becoming a nurse, a devoted single mother, a father of two, and a former football star from Princeton. These individuals were among the 15 people who lost their lives when a white pickup truck recklessly sped down Bourbon Street.
Although the names of the deceased have not yet been released by officials, their loved ones have begun to share their stories. The New Orleans Coroner, Dr. Dwight McKenna, has stated that the names will be revealed once autopsies are completed and the families have been notified. In addition to the fatalities, approximately 30 people were injured in the tragic event.
One of the victims, 18-year-old Nikyra Dedeaux, had been enjoying her first night on Bourbon Street with her friend, Zion Parsons from Gulfport, Mississippi. Parsons recalls the horrifying moment when a truck came barreling through the crowd, throwing people into the air like something out of a movie. He witnessed the truck strike and fling Dedeaux nearly 30 feet, causing fatal injuries. As chaos ensued, Parsons ran through the aftermath of the scene, seeing countless victims with severe injuries and hearing gunshots and loud noises.
Dedeaux was described as a responsible daughter who helped take care of her family. She had a job at a hospital and was planning to start college to pursue her dream of becoming a registered nurse. Parsons remembers her as a determined young woman who may not have had everything figured out, but had a clear plan for her future.
Reggie Hunter, a 37-year-old father of two from Baton Rouge, was also among the victims. He had just finished work and was celebrating New Year's with his cousin when the tragic incident occurred. Unfortunately, Hunter lost his life, and his cousin was injured in the attack.
Another victim, Tiger Bech, was a former high school and college football player from Louisiana. Bech, who was 27 years old, was fatally injured when the truck rammed into the crowd. He had attended St. Thomas More Catholic High School in Lafayette, where he played various positions on the football team. Bech went on to play football at Princeton University and had recently started working as an investment trader in New York.
Princeton football coach Bob Surace fondly remembers Bech as a dedicated player who excelled under pressure. He was also well-regarded by his colleagues at Seaport Global, where he had been working. Bech's younger brother, Jack, is a top wide receiver at Texas Christian University.
In a heart-wrenching post on social media, Jack expressed his love for his brother and promised to make him proud. He also mentioned that Bech had inspired him every day and would continue to do so even after his passing.
The final victim we know of so far is Nicole Perez, a single mother in her late 20s. Perez had recently been promoted to manager at Kimmy's Deli in Metarie, Louisiana, and was excited about her new role. Her employer, Kimberly Usher, spoke highly of her, describing her as a hardworking and dedicated employee who was also a loving mother to her 4-year-old son, Melo. Perez would often bring her son to work and teach him basic skills during breaks.
Usher has set up a GoFundMe page to cover Perez's burial expenses and help with her son's living expenses. She remembers Perez as a great mom and wants to ensure that her son is taken care of in the wake of this tragedy.
In conclusion, the New Orleans truck attack on New Year's Day was a devastating event that claimed the lives of 15 individuals and left many others injured. Our hearts go out to the families and friends of those who lost their lives, and we hope for a speedy recovery for those who were injured. The story has been corrected to reflect that Tiger Bech was 27 years old at the time of his passing. Our thoughts and prayers are with all those affected by this senseless act of violence.
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