GoFundMe launches verified fundraisers for victims of New Orleans Bourbon Street attack

An investigation is underway after a deadly terror attack on New Year’s Day on Bourbon Street in New Orleans has killed 14 people, and injured at least 35 others.

All of the 14 victims killed have been identified and GoFundMe says the community can safely donate to the victim’s families and loved ones.

GoFundMe New Orleans Bourbon Street attack fundraiser hub

GoFundMe has launched a centralized hub where all of the verified fundraisers for the New Orleans attack victims can be found, making it easier for people to donate.

HOW TO HELP OR DONATE

• Donate to a verified fundraiser via the hub here.
• Spread awareness by sharing the centralized hub link, including across social media channels. Encouraging others to donate or share can also help make a difference for individuals and families who need help right now.

“Our hearts go out to everyone impacted by the attack on Bourbon Street in New Orleans. At GoFundMe, we are working around the clock to ensure the community receives the support they need. To make it easier for people who want to help those affected, GoFundMe has launched a centralized hub housing all verified fundraisers. Our Trust & Safety team will continue to update the hub with more fundraisers as they are verified,” the company said in a statement.

Protecting the GoFundMe Community

GoFundMe has the first and only donor protection guarantee in the crowdfunding industry. Through the GoFundMe Giving Guarantee, the company guarantees donors a full refund in the rare case something isn’t right.

To view all the verified fundraisers, click here.

Victims

Nikyra Dedeaux, 18, of Gulfport, Mississippi

Nikyra Dedeaux

A native of Mississippi, Nikyra Dedeaux was described by her friends and family as a young woman with big dreams of becoming a nurse. She was celebrating New Year’s Eve in New Orleans with her friend.

Dedeaux was scheduled to begin a nursing program at Blue Cliff College on Jan. 13, her mother, who is also a nurse, told Nola.com. She told local media that her daughter was a popular person who was always surrounded by friends.

“I lost my baby just pray for me and my family pleaseeeeee!!,” her mother wrote on social media. Dedeaux described her daughter as “loving” and “sweet.”

Reggie Hunter, 37, of Prairieville, Louisiana

Reggie Hunter

Reggie Hunter, a father of two from Baton Rouge, made a last-minute decision to visit Bourbon Street after finishing his shift at work. Hunter and his cousin were both struck by the speeding vehicle. His cousin survived with injuries, but Hunter tragically died from his.

Family members described Reggie as a devoted father who had a love for life.

William “Billy” DiMaio, 25, of Holmdel, New Jersey

Billy DiMaio

William “Billy” DiMaio was an account executive for the media company Audacy, a podcast and radio company, in New York City

He is remembered by his colleagues for his “unwavering work ethic, positive attitude, and kindness” according to a company spokesperson.

DiMaio graduated in 2017 from Holmdel High School in Central Jersey and is a 2022 graduate of Philadelphia’s Chestnut Hill College.

Andrew Dauphin, 26, of Montgomery, Alabama

Drew Dauphin

Andrew Dauphin is a 2023 graduate of Auburn University, who worked at the university’s RFID Lab, which described him as “an excellent co-worker and always brought a positive attitude to the lab.”

Auburn University President Christopher B. Roberts issued a statement remembering Dauphin.

“Words cannot convey the sorrow the Auburn Family feels for Drew’s family and friends during this unimaginably difficult time. Our thoughts are with the Dauphin family and the families of all the victims of this senseless tragedy,” Roberts said.

In a statement, his family said: “Our family is suffering more than anyone can imagine. Drew lit up every room he entered. His smile was infectious. He had the best personality. We are such a tight family, dependent on each other, friends, family and neighbors. We cherish the 26 years that we had with him and raising him will always be one of the greatest joys of our lives.”

They said he was happiest at Lake Martin with his little brother, Matthew.

Matthew Tenedorio, 25, of Picayune, Mississippi

Matthew Tenedorio (Photo: Family/GoFundMe)

Tenedorio is remembered by his family as “a beloved son, brother, uncle, and friend whose laid-back spirit and infectious laughter brought joy to everyone around him.” presence. He worked as an audiovisual technician at the Superdome in New Orleans, contributing to countless events and memories.

“Matthew was always the one to lighten the mood, able to laugh off life’s challenges and spread positivity wherever he went,” said his family in a GoFundMe campaign launched to cover funeral expenses.

Martin “Tiger” Bech, 27, of New York City, New York

Martin “Tiger” Bech (Photo: Princeton Athletics)

Tiger Bech was a former Princeton University football star and graduate.

The 27-year-old Lafayette, La. native is remembered as a standout athlete and the older brother of former LSU football player Jack Bech.

After college, Bech worked as a junior bonds trader in cybersecurity at Seaport Global. He loved to fish and hunt, his mother said.

“You inspired me every day; now you get to be with me in every moment,” his brother wrote in a heartfelt social media post.

Nicole Perez, 27, of Metairie, Louisiana

Nicole Perez

Nicole Perez, a single mother of a 4-year-old son, had just been promoted to manager at Kimmy’s Deli in Metairie. Her coworker, Kimberly Usher, described her as a hardworking woman who was passionate about providing a better life for her son, Melo.

Kareem Badawi, 18, of Baton Rouge, Louisiana

Kareem Badawi

Kareem Badawi was home in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, for the holidays. He had just completed his first semester at the University of Alabama majoring in Engineering.

Friends and classmates remember him as kind and ambitious.

Hubert Gauthreaux, 21, of Gretna, Louisiana

Hubert Gauthreaux

Hubert Gauthreaux graduated from Archbishop Shaw High School in 2021.

Gauthreaux was an oil services worker, loved the White Sox, and is remembered as a bright and promising young man.

Terrence Kennedy, 63, of New Orleans, Louisiana

Terrence Kennedy

Kennedy was affectionately known as “Terry” and was a born-and-raised New Orleanian.

His family says he was a nice, quiet man. He was part of a large family in New Orleans and was a sports fan. He’s seen in several family photos wearing a Pittsburgh Steelers hat.

His sister described him as very kind, with an extremely big heart.

Elliot Wilkinson, 40, of Slidell, Louisiana

Elliot Wilkinson (CNN via family)

Family members have identified Elliot Wilkinson, 40, as another victim of the Bourbon Street attack.

“I know life was hard for you at times,” his brother Cecil Wilkinson, of Lafayette, wrote on Facebook. “I wasn’t expecting to get the phone call.”

“He’ll give the shirt off his back even though he didn’t have the shirt to give,” Cecil recalled. “He was a good person, he would look out for everybody that he could.”

Brandon Taylor, 43, of Harvey, Louisiana

Brandon Taylor

Brandon Taylor, a quiet lover of rap and a cook from Terrytown who’d been engaged to be married.

Taylor, 43, was out with his fiancée and standing near a boom lift parked in the 300 block of Bourbon when the pickup truck crashed into him, according to his fiancée.

Taylor’s mother, 75-year-old Mary Guerrera, called her son a Christian man who loved music.

“It’s been very difficult,” she said Friday. “I’m pretty devastated, and I’m just trying to get through this.”

Edward Pettifer, 31, of London

Edward Pettifer

Edward Pettifer, 31, of Chelsea, London, a British national was among at least 14 people killed.

His family paid tribute to a “wonderful son, brother, grandson, nephew and friend to so many”.

Latasha Polk, 47, New Orleans, Louisiana

Latasha Polk

Latasha Polk is the final victim killed in the New Orleans terrorist attack to be identified.

Polk was the mother of a 14-year-old son.

According to Regnicea Butler, Polk’s sister, the French Quarter was her favorite spot.

Butler described her as hardworking and a certified nursing assistant.