Aspiring nurse, exceptional footballer: Victims of New Orleans attack

An 18-year-old aspiring nurse, a young woman recently promoted at work, and a talented football player known for his exceptional skills on the field were among the 15 victims of an ISIS-inspired attack in New Orleans in the US.

As authorities investigate the incident as a terror attack, families and friends have started identifying the victims.

Nicole Perez, a 28-year-old woman, was teaching her 4-year-old son to read before she was killed in the attack on Wednesday morning. She had just gotten promoted, and she was planning to move to her new apartment, her boss told news agency Reuters.

She used to bring her son to work and play spelling games with him, the boss, Kimberly Usher, said, also calling the victim a hard-working mother and a dedicated employee.

“She was just getting a new apartment, so she and her son were about to start their new life. And now that’s no more,” Usher said.

Nikyra Dedeaux, was in New Orleans celebrating the New Year with a cousin and a friend. The 18-year-old woman from Mississippi was set to begin a nursing program later in January at Blue Cliff College, according to a local newspaper.

“When your parents say don’t go anywhere, please listen to them. My baby is gone, y’all. My baby is gone. She is no longer with us,” her lamenting mother was quoted as saying.

Tiger Bech was a Princeton University graduate who had been working in the finance sector. The 27-year-old man was an exceptional football player, the principal of the high school he attended told the media.

“I’ve seen a lot of great athletes, but there are things that Tiger could do on the football field that I never saw anyone else do,” the principal, Marty Cannon, remembered him. Cannon found out about Bech’s death through his network of mutual friends and associates.

“He was just a guy of tremendous depth as well. He was smart, he was an intellectual, just an impressive guy,” he added.

Reggie Hunter, a father of two from Baton Rouge, was also among those killed. The 37-year-old was a warehouse manager, and his family referred to him as someone who took pride in the academic achievements of his eldest son, who was of school age. Hunter enjoyed working out with friends and family, his cousin said.

Kareem Badawi, another young victim, was attending the University of Alabama, according to a statement from the university president, CBC News reported. The Episcopal School of Baton Rouge, from which he graduated last year, identified Badawi and also noted that a fellow alumnus was critically injured.

Huber Gauthreaux, a 21-year-old from Louisiana, was another victim. The Archbishop Shaw High School in Marrero identified him through a statement, which said he “was tragically killed in the senseless act of violence.”

Matthew Tenedorio was a fibre optics and video professional. His parents confirmed their 25-year-old son’s death to ABC News and shared that they felt he had a boundless future. His mother called Tenedorio the “life of the room,” full of warmth and humour.

The process of identifying other victims of the attack is still ongoing.

On Wednesday, a 42-year-old US Army veteran, Shamsud-Din Jabbar, rammed his car into a crowd in French Quarter in New Orleans on New Year’s Day. The attack claimed 15 lives and left at least 30 others injured.

The FBI has uncovered several videos of Jabbar expressing his desire to join ISIS, the Islamist terrorist organisation. Authorities have confirmed that they are investigating the incident as a terrorist attack.