All 14 Bourbon Street terror attack victims identified

NEW ORLEANS (WVUE) - Family and school communities have identified several victims killed in the New Year’s Day terror attack on Bourbon Street, where an Islamic State-inspired suspect planted bombs and deliberately drove a pickup truck through crowds before opening fire.

The Orleans Parish Coroner released the remaining identities of the victims.

LaTasha Polk, 47

Family at the vigil identified LaTasha Polk as the last victim of the Bourbon Street terror attack.

Edward Pettifer, 31

London Metropolitan Police identified the victim as 31-year-old Edward Pettifer, who lived in the Chelsea district of London.

The BBC reported that Pettifer’s stepmother Alexandra Pettifer -- previously known as Tiggy Legge-Bourke -- worked as a royal nanny caring for Princes William and Harry starting in 1993.

Edward Pettifer, 31, was identified by London Metropolitan Police as the British citizen among... — Edward Pettifer, 31, was identified by London Metropolitan Police as the British citizen among the 14 people killed Wednesday (Jan. 1) in the Bourbon Street terror attack.(London Metropolitan Police)

Brandon Taylor, 43

Heather Genusa, the significant other of Brandon Taylor, identified him as one of the Bourbon Street attack victims.

“Brandon Taylor, I Love you with all my heart. My Lazy, My Bae, I can’t believe you’re gone,” Genusa posted on Facebook. “My life is never going to be the same. Partners in crime for life.”

Family have identified Brandon Taylor, 43, as one of the victims of the Bourbon Street... — Family have identified Brandon Taylor, 43, as one of the victims of the Bourbon Street attack.(Heather Genusa)

Elliot Wilkinson, 40

Family have identified Elliot Wilkinson, 40, as another victim of the Bourbon Street attack.

“I know life was hard for you at times,” his brother Cecil Wilkinson, of Lafayette, wrote on Facebook. “I wasn’t expecting to get the phone call.”

Family have identified Elliot Wilkinson, 40, as one of the victims of the Bourbon... — Family have identified Elliot Wilkinson, 40, as one of the victims of the Bourbon Street attack.(CNN via Family)

Terrence “Terry” Kennedy, 63

Affectionately known as “Terry,” 63-year-old Terrence Kennedy was born and raised in New Orleans, the seventh of nine children to Dolores and James Kennedy. Known for his big heart and kind spirit, Terry was a beloved figure in his family and community, always willing to lend a hand to those in need.

A lifelong sports fan, Terry cheered for the Saints, the Kansas City Chiefs, and most ionately, the Pittsburgh Steelers, his #1 team.

Kennedy’s family had been searching for him since the attack, only to find out on Thursday that he had been taken to East Jefferson General Hospital. The cause of his death is still being determined.

Terrence "Terry" Kennedy is among the 14 victims killed in the Bourbon Street terror attack(Family)

Billy DiMaio, 25

Billy DiMaio, a New York-based executive for the media company Audacy, was among the victims killed in the New Orleans terrorist attack.

In a statement, Audacy expressed their sorrow:

“We are heartbroken to learn of the ing of Billy DiMaio, a New York-based Executive, in the terrorist attack in New Orleans. Beyond his professional achievements, Billy will be fondly ed for his unwavering work ethic, positive attitude, and kindness. He was a true asset to the Audacy team, and his contributions and presence will be deeply missed. Our thoughts are with Billy’s family and friends during this exceedingly difficult time, and we extend our deepest sympathies to them and every member of the Audacy family who had the privilege of working with him.”

Billy DiMaio, an executive for the media company Audacy, was among the victims killed... — Billy DiMaio, an executive for the media company Audacy, was among the victims killed in the New Orleans terrorist attack.(LinkedIn)

Drew Dauphin

Auburn University President Christopher B. Roberts issued a heartfelt statement ing Dauphin, who graduated in 2023.

“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,” Roberts said.

Drew Dauphin is among 14 killed in the Bourbon Street terror attack(Auburn University)

Matthew Tenedorio

Tenedorio, a Pearl River Central High School graduate, was ed by loved ones as a lighthearted and positive presence. He worked as an audiovisual technician at the Superdome, contributing to countless events and memories.

“Matthew was always the one to lighten the mood, able to laugh off life’s challenges and spread positivity wherever he went,” said his family in a GoFundMe campaign launched to cover funeral expenses.

Tenedorio is survived by his parents, Lou and Cathy, his siblings Jonathon and Jeremy, and his niece and nephews, Dalila, Dante, Leo, and Felix.

The Saints and Pelicans released the following statement:

“We remain heartbroken by the tragic events that claimed innocent lives in our city yesterday morning. Among those lost was Matthew Tenedorio, a valued member of the ASM New Orleans video production team. Matthew was young, talented, and had a bright future, helping deliver quality content for both the New Orleans Saints and Pelicans. Our thoughts, prayers, and deepest condolences are with the Tenedorio family and everyone affected by this senseless act of terrorism. Together, as a city, state, and region, we will come back stronger from this tragedy.”

Matthew Tenedorio is among 14 victims killed in the Bourbon Street terror attack(GoFundMe/Family)

Nikyra Dedeaux, 18

A native of Mississippi, Nikyra Dedeaux was described by her friends and family as a young woman with big dreams of becoming a nurse. She was celebrating New Year’s Eve in New Orleans with her friend Zion Parsons, who witnessed the attack.

“Bodies, bodies all up and down the street, everybody screaming and hollering,” Parsons recounted, describing the chaos. He tearfully shared how he had to inform Dedeaux’s mother of her death.

“I hadn’t had time to cry up until I called her mother and she asked me, ‘Where’s my baby.’ That broke me,” Parsons said.

Nikyra Dedeaux, 18, was killed in Bourbon Street attack(Melissa Dedeaux)

Reggie Hunter, 37

Reggie Hunter, a father of two from Baton Rouge, made a last-minute decision to visit Bourbon Street after finishing his shift at work. Hunter and his cousin were both struck by the speeding vehicle. His cousin survived with injuries, but Hunter tragically died from his.

Family described him as a devoted father who had a love for life. His cousin, Shirell Jackson, said the family is in shock over the loss.

Tiger Bech, 28

A former Princeton University football star and graduate, Tiger Bech was among the victims of the attack. The 28-year-old Lafayette native was ed as a standout athlete and the older brother of former LSU football player Jack Bech.

“You inspired me every day; now you get to be with me in every moment,” his brother wrote in a heartfelt social media post.

Nicole Perez, late 20s

Nicole Perez, a single mother of a 4-year-old son, had just been promoted to manager at Kimmy’s Deli in Metairie. Her coworker, Kimberly Usher, described her as a hardworking woman who was ionate about providing a better life for her son, Melo.

Nicole Perez, 28, was killed in the Bourbon Street terror attack.(GoFundMe/Family)

Kareem Badawi

Among the victims was Kareem Badawi, a recent graduate of Episcopal High School. Friends and classmates him as kind and ambitious, though further details are not yet available.

Hubert Gauthreaux, 21

A spokesperson for Archbishop Shaw High School confirmed that Hubert Gauthreaux was among those killed in the attack. Gauthreaux graduated from Shaw in 2021 and was ed as a bright and promising young man.

FBI Deputy Director Christopher Raia confirmed Thursday that the attack was premeditated and carried out by 42-year-old Shamsud Din Jabbar, who acted alone. Jabbar killed 14 and injured 35 others after driving into a crowd on Bourbon Street before engaging in a deadly shootout with police.