New Orleans, LA – The tragedy that unfolded on Bourbon Street in the early hours of New Year’s Day, when a white pickup truck careened through a crowd of holiday revelers, has left the city mourning. The Coroner’s Office in New Orleans has almost completed the grim task of identifying the victims, with 13 names released and efforts ongoing to confirm the 14th, as the community reels from the sudden violence that claimed lives and left many injured.
Among the identified were individuals ranging from 18 to 63 years old, hailing from diverse locations including Alabama, Louisiana, Mississippi, New York, New Jersey, and one victim from Great Britain, whose identity has been withheld at the family’s request. The deceased suffered blunt force injuries, a somber testament to the brutal impact of the incident.
The chaos of that night has also left about 30 people injured, with 16 currently hospitalized, some in critical condition. The medical teams continue to fight for their lives, hinting at the long, arduous road to recovery that lies ahead for many.
Brandon Taylor, 43, from Harvey, Louisiana, and Elliot Wilkinson, 40, from Slidell, Louisiana added to the list of those tragically killed, highlighting the far-reaching impact of the event, touching various communities across states and even overseas.
Family members and friends have begun paying tributes to their loved ones. Terrence “Terry” Kennedy, a New Orleans native who had retired from a career in service and maintenance, was remembered for his love of the lively spirits of the French Quarter. His niece, Monisha James, shared that Kennedy enjoyed his retirement by engaging with people and embracing the festive atmosphere of his city.
Billy DiMaio, a 25-year-old from Holmdel, New Jersey, was remembered as a humble and gentle-hearted individual, who had traveled to New Orleans to celebrate the New Year with friends. His life, marked by devotion to his family and achievements like graduating from Chestnut Hill College and working for a media company, was cut tragically short.
The community also mourns young lives like Kareem Badawi, a 23-year-old University of Alabama student, and Hubert Gauthreaux, 21, a recent high school graduate from Gretna, Louisiana. Both had their futures abruptly taken away, leaving friends and family to grapple with the senseless nature of their loss.
Schools and employers have joined families in mourning, emphasizing the remarkable lives the victims led and the potential they held. The staggering suddenness of the loss has galvanized a community response, including GoFundMe pages and school-led prayers, to support the grieving families and honor the memories of those lost.
Amid the tragedy, stories of survival also emerged. Jeremi Sensky, who endured extensive surgeries for two broken legs, represents the resilience of the human spirit, fighting to recover from unexpected and severe trauma suffered during joyful celebrations.
This heinous act not only took loved ones but shook the sense of safety and community spirit characteristic of New Orleans’ vibrant celebrations. As the city comes to terms with the aftermath, the collective focus has shifted towards healing, seeking justice, and preventing future tragedies, even as the heartache from this New Year’s Day lingers.