A second Mississippian is confirmed to have been among those killed in a bloody truck attack in New Orleans on New Year’s Day.
On Wednesday, it was confirmed that Gulfport native Nikyra Cheyenne Dedeaux was one of the 15 people killed when a driver wrought carnage on Bourbon Street by ramming his pickup truck into a crowd of revelers. On Thursday morning, Gov. Tate Reeves confirmed that Picayune native Matthew Tenedorio was also killed during the attack.
“Please join Elee (Reeves) and me in praying for Mississippians Nikyra Dedeaux and Matthew Tenedorio who were tragically killed during the terrorist attack in New Orleans,” Reeves wrote on social media. “Mississippi will never forget them.”
Please join Elee and me in praying for Mississippians Nikyra Dedeaux and Matthew Tenedorio who were tragically killed during the terrorist attack in New Orleans.
Mississippi will never forget them.
— Governor Tate Reeves (@tatereeves) January 2, 2025
Dedeaux, 18, was a graduate of Harrison Central and an aspiring nurse, NOLA.com reported. Her mother said that her daughter had snuck out with a friend and cousin to celebrate New Year’s Eve in New Orleans, noting that her daughter was “the sweetest person” she had ever met.
According to a GoFundMe set up by Tenedorio’s family, the 25-year-old was an audiovisual technician for Caesar’s Superdome and a graduate of Pearl River Central High School.
“Matthew was a beloved son, brother, uncle, and friend whose laid-back spirit and infectious laughter brought joy to everyone around him,” a portion of the fundraiser’s description reads. “Matthew was always one to lighten the mood, able to laugh off life’s challenges, and spread positivity wherever he went.”
At least 30 people were also injured in the suspected terrorist attack, including a student from the University of Mississippi.
Shamsud-Din Jabbar, an ISIS flag-bearing U.S. Army veteran, was identified as the driver of the truck killed by police. Officials confirmed Thursday morning that they do not believe the 42-year-old was acting alongside anyone else.
