American football player and aspiring nurse among New Orleans attack victimson January 2, 2025 at 8:00 am

- Advertisement -
- Advertisement -
- Advertisement -
- Advertisement -

The identities of those killed in New Orleans are starting to emerge as families pay tribute.

Who were the victims of the New Orleans attack?

Michelle Bech Martin BechMichelle Bech

A well-known American football player, a young aspiring nurse and a mother of a four-year-old are among the victims of the New Year’s day attack in New Orleans in which at least 15 people were killed.

Their names are being released by families and relatives before authorities complete post-mortem examinations.

Here’s what we know so far.

Martin ‘Tiger’ Bech

Martin “Tiger” Bech is a former football player at Princeton University.

His death was confirmed in a statement by the university.

“There was no more appropriate nickname of a Princeton player I coached,” Princeton football coach Bob Surace said in a statement.

“He was a ‘Tiger’ in every way – a ferocious competitor with endless energy, a beloved teammate and a caring friend.”

Martin Bech’s brother, Jack Bech, posted a tribute on X alongside a news article reporting his death.

“Love you always brother!” he wrote. “You inspired me everyday now you get to be with me in every moment. I got this family T, don’t worry. This is for us.”

Mr Bech was a member of the 2016 and 2018 Ivy League Championship teams.

Nikyra Cheyenne Dedeaux

The 18-year-old was an aspiring nurse.

Her death was confirmed by her mother, Melissa Dedeaux, on social media.

“I lost my baby just pray for me and my family pleaseeeeee!!! God I need you now!!,” the mother pleaded, along with a photograph of her daughter wearing a red graduation cap and gown from this year.

Ms Dedeaux – who is also a nurse – told local media outlet Nola that her daughter had been due to start her nurse training later this month.

She added that Nikyra had snuck out with a cousin and friend, who both survived.

Reggie Hunter

The death of the store manager and father of two was confirmed to CBS News, the BBC News’ US partner, by his cousin Shirell Robinson Jackson.

Ms Jackson described him as “full of life”, and said the 37-year-old had messaged the family minutes after midnight to wish them a Happy New Near.

He was with another cousin who was injured in the attack.

Nicole Perez

Kimberly Usher Fall, Ms Perez’s friend and boss at the deli store she worked at, called her a dedicated, smart and a “good-hearted person”, according to CBS.

The 27-year-old was also a mother to a four-year-old boy.

Matthew Tenedorio

The 25-year-old audio-visual technician had a “laid-back spirit and infectious laughter” that brought joy to those around him, according to a fundraiser his family set up in his name.

His mother Cathy Tenedorio, told US broadcaster NBC News, she last saw her son alive at 21:00 local time on New Year’s Eve, adding she remembered hugging and kissing him.

- Advertisement -

Discover

Sponsor

Latest

US launches wave of air strikes on Yemen’s Houthison March 16, 2025 at 7:05 am

President Donald Trump cites the armed group's recent attacks in the Red Sea as justification.US launches wave of air strikes on Yemen's Houthis 36...

Mobile ban in schools not improving grades or behaviour, study suggestson February 5, 2025 at 10:15 am

It is the first study to look at school phone rules, alongside measures of pupil health and education.School phone bans don't boost grades or...

Who will win the race to develop a humanoid robot?on April 24, 2025 at 11:18 pm

Humanoid robots are attracting a lot of investment but will China dominate the industry?Humanoid robots are attracting a lot of investment but will China...

Power may be off for ‘many days’ for some after weekend stormson February 1, 2022 at 10:21 am

Welfare support is offered as an estimated 7,000 homes remain without supplies following weekend storms.Image source, Jeff J Mitchell/GettyThousands of people still remain without...

Barclay: Strike cover for life-threatening cases vitalon December 19, 2022 at 10:18 am

The health secretary says there is still a lack of clarity for patients ahead of this week's walkouts.Image source, EPABy Oliver SlowBBC NewsUnions must...