When the clock struck midnight on January 1, 2025, New Orleans was doing what it does best. It was celebrating. Thousands of people packed into the French Quarter, shoulder to shoulder, under the neon glow of Bourbon Street. Then, at 3:15 a.m., everything changed. A vehicle-ramming and shooting attack turned a night of joy into a scene of absolute devastation.
Honestly, it’s hard to wrap your head around the numbers. 14 people were killed. Over 50 were injured. For a city that has seen more than its fair share of tragedy, from Katrina to the Hard Rock collapse, this felt different. It was an intentional strike on the heart of the city’s culture.
When people search for a list of New Orleans victims, they are often looking for names or stats. But behind every name on that list is a family that was shattered. These weren’t just "victims." They were parents, college students, and neighbors.
The Faces on the List of New Orleans Victims
The names released by the Orleans Parish Coroner’s Office tell a story of a diverse crowd that was simply in the wrong place at the wrong time. The youngest was only 18. The oldest was 63. Some lived just blocks away, while others had traveled across the ocean to see the Crescent City.
Take LaTasha Polk, for example. She was a 47-year-old nursing assistant and a mother to a teenage boy. Her family spent days searching for her before the coroner finally made the call. She was a local, someone who worked in the service of others every single day.
👉 See also: What Really Happened With the Women's Orchestra of Auschwitz
Then there’s Martin "Tiger" Bech. He was 27 and a former Ivy League football player for Princeton. He didn't even live in the city anymore—he was a trader in New York City—but he had come back to his Louisiana roots to celebrate. His brother, Jack Bech, is a well-known college football player, and the loss hit the sports community hard.
The list of New Orleans victims also includes:
- Kareem Badawi (18): A freshman at the University of Alabama who had just graduated from high school in Baton Rouge.
- Edward Pettifer (31): A British citizen from London. Interestingly, he was the stepson of Tiggy Pettifer, a former nanny to Princes William and Harry.
- Nikyra Dedeaux (18): A bright young woman from Mississippi who was about to start nursing school.
- Terrence "Terry" Kennedy (63): A New Orleans native who spent his retirement enjoying the music and atmosphere of the Quarter.
- Andrew "Drew" Dauphin (26): An Auburn University grad working as an engineer.
- Hubert Gauthreaux (21): A student and alumnus of Archbishop Shaw High School.
- Nicole Perez (27): A single mother described as the "sweetest person" by her friends.
- Brandon Taylor (43): A local cook who was out with his fiancée when the attack happened.
- Reggie Hunter (37): A father from Prairieville who headed to Bourbon Street on a whim after finishing work.
- Billy DiMaio (25): An account executive who was just starting his career.
- Matthew Tenedorio (25): A New Orleanian whose life was cut short in his hometown.
- Elliot Wilkinson (40): A man from Slidell whose family described him as a "ferocious competitor" in life.
Why This List Still Matters Today
It's been a year since that morning. As we move through 2026, the city is still healing. You’ll see the "Second Line in the Sky" memorial hanging above Bourbon Street—a permanent reminder of those we lost.
But why do people keep coming back to the list of New Orleans victims? Usually, it's because the legal and social fallout is still happening. The perpetrator, a 42-year-old veteran named Shamsud-Din Jabbar, was killed at the scene, but the questions about how he was able to drive onto a pedestrian-only street remain.
✨ Don't miss: How Much Did Trump Add to the National Debt Explained (Simply)
There was a lot of controversy regarding the steel barriers. New Orleans has these fancy "archer" barriers that are supposed to stop vehicles from entering crowded areas. On New Year's Eve, they weren't raised. The city said they malfunctioned. The public called it negligence.
Understanding the Scope of the Tragedy
Beyond the 14 who died, there are the survivors. 57 people were injured. Some of those injuries were life-altering. We aren't just talking about broken bones; we're talking about trauma that lasts a lifetime.
The FBI and the NOPD worked together to process the scene, which stretched across three blocks. Because it was investigated as a terrorist attack inspired by ISIS, the resources involved were massive.
How New Orleans is Moving Forward
The city hasn't just sat back and mourned. There has been a massive push for better security infrastructure. You'll notice more permanent bollards now. The National Guard presence in the French Quarter, ordered by the federal government, remains a point of debate among locals, but it’s part of the new reality.
🔗 Read more: The Galveston Hurricane 1900 Orphanage Story Is More Tragic Than You Realized
If you are looking for ways to support the families or survivors, the Greater New Orleans Foundation and United Way Southeast Louisiana have set up funds that are still active. They provide mental health services and financial aid to those whose names appeared on that original list of New Orleans victims.
Actionable Steps for Families and Researchers
If you are looking for specific records or want to contribute to the memory of those lost, here is what you can do:
- Access Official Records: For official identification and cause of death reports, the Orleans Parish Coroner’s Office is the primary source. They maintain the official records for all fatalities within the parish.
- Victim Assistance: If you or someone you know was affected, the Louisiana Commission on Law Enforcement (LCLE) provides crime victim reparations. This can help cover medical bills or counseling costs that weren't covered by insurance.
- Visit the Memorial: The "Second Line in the Sky" memorial is located on the first three blocks of Bourbon Street. It serves as a space for reflection and is open to the public 24/7.
- Check Investigation Updates: The FBI New Orleans Field Office periodically releases updates regarding the background of the 2025 attack. While the case against the perpetrator ended with his death, the investigation into his radicalization and potential local ties continues.
New Orleans is a city of resilience. We remember the names not just to mourn the tragedy, but to celebrate the lives they lived before that terrible morning.
Next Steps:
To help preserve the memory of those on the list of New Orleans victims, you can visit the NOLA Ready Resource Page for information on community vigils and local support networks. If you are seeking records for legal purposes, contact the Orleans Parish Clerk of Court for documentation regarding the 2025 mass casualty incident.