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

The newly identified victims Thursday morning include Drew Dauphin, a recent graduate of Auburn University, and Matthew Tenedorio, a popular audio-visual technician for the Superdome.

Drew Dauphin

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

“Words cannot express the sadness 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.

Matthew Tenedorio

Tenedorio, a graduate of Pearl River Central High School, was remembered by his loved ones as a carefree and positive personality. He worked as an audio visual technician at the Superdome and contributed to countless events and memories.

“Matthew was always the one to lighten the mood, he could laugh at life’s challenges and spread positivity everywhere he went,” his family said in a GoFundMe campaign to cover funeral costs.

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 family is facing financial difficulties due to his mother’s recent battle with cancer and is appealing for public support.

The first identified victims include young high school graduates, parents of young children and soccer stars.

Nikyra Dedeaux, 18

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

“Bodies, bodies all over the street, everyone screaming and yelling,” Parsons said, describing the chaos. He tearfully recounted how he had to inform Dedeaux’s mother of her death.

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

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 injuries.

Family members described him as a devoted father who loved life. His cousin Shirell Jackson said the family was shocked by the loss.

Tiger Bech, 28

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

“You inspired me every day; Now you can 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 colleague Kimberly Usher described her as a hard-working woman who was passionate about giving her son Melo a better life.

Kareem Badawi

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

Hubert Gauthreaux, 21

An Archbishop Shaw High School spokesman confirmed that Hubert Gauthreaux was among those killed in the attack. Gauthreaux graduated from Shaw University in 2021 and was remembered as a bright and promising young man.

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

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