The city of New Orleans is in mourning as more details emerge about the 14 people who lost their lives in the horrific truck attack and mass shooting that took place on Bourbon Street on New Year’s Eve. Families are speaking out about their loved ones whose lives were cut short in an act of senseless violence that has left the community reeling.
Remembering the Victims
Among those killed was 63-year-old Terrence Kennedy, a lifelong resident of New Orleans. His niece, Monisha James, shared her grief on social media, writing:
“Just when I thought my family was out of the woods, unfortunately today we found out my uncle was one of the victims who was killed on Bourbon St. I know people say this all the time but if you knew ‘Uncle Terry’ you knew he was Nice and Quiet and Super Clean! I’m just really at a loss for words.”
— Monisha James, victim’s niece
James described her uncle as the “nicest person in the world” who was always ready to lend a helping hand. Kennedy had gone out on Bourbon Street for a drink to celebrate New Year’s Eve. His family began searching for him when they hadn’t heard from him after the attack, only to tragically learn he had died at the hospital.
Young Lives Cut Short
The attack also claimed the lives of several young people who had their whole futures ahead of them:
- Nikyra Dedeaux, 18, who had come from nearby Mississippi to celebrate in New Orleans
- Kareem Badawi, 18, a freshman at the University of Alabama
- Hubert Gauthreaux, 21, an alum of a local Catholic high school
- Nicole Perez, in her late 20s, a mother and deli manager celebrating with a friend
Other victims included New Orleans natives, out-of-town visitors, and a British national. They spanned age groups and walks of life, but are all now forever connected by this unspeakable tragedy.
Dozens More Injured
In addition to the 14 fatalities, dozens more people were injured in the attack, including:
- A combat veteran who works at the National WWII Museum
- Two 19-year-old women visiting from Florida
- Multiple college students from around the region
- Two police officers hurt in the shootout with the perpetrator
- Two tourists from Israel and two from Mexico
The injured victims are being treated at area hospitals. The psychological trauma for survivors will likely take much longer to heal.
A City in Mourning
As authorities continue to investigate the attack and notify families, the people of New Orleans have come together to grieve and support one another. Memorials have sprung up near the site on Bourbon Street, with flowers, candles, and photos of the victims.
In the words of Terrence Kennedy’s family, we are all “at a loss for words” as we try to comprehend this horrific act of violence that has devastated so many families. The lives lost leave a void that can never be filled, and the impact will be felt in New Orleans for years to come.
In this dark time, the only thing to do is what New Orleanians do best – come together as a community to honor those lost, support those suffering, and prove once again the resilience of this great city. The victims will forever remain in our hearts.
