As the New Year’s day attack in New Orleans continues to dominate the media space across the world, some families and relatives have been releasing the names of the victims.
According to BBC, the names are being released even before authorities complete post-mortem examinations.
A well-known American football player, a young aspiring nurse and a mother of a four-year-old are among the victims of the attack in which at least 15 people were killed.
Here’s what we know so far.
A well-known American football player, a young aspiring nurse and a mother of a four-year-old are among the victims of the attack in which at least 15 people were killed.
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.
