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Who were the victims of the deadly New Orleans attack

Who were the victims of the deadly New Orleans attack
The identities of those killed in New Orleans are starting to emerge as families pay tribute.
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A well-known American college football player, a young aspiring nurse and a mother of a four-year-old are among the victims of the New Year's day attack in New Orleans in which at least 15 people were killed.

Their names are being released by families and relatives before authorities complete post-mortem examinations.

Here's what we know so far.

Martin 'Tiger' Bech

Michelle Bech

Martin "Tiger" Bech, who was in his late twenties, was 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."

Saint Thomas Moore Principal Marty Cannon, Mr Bech's coach senior year of high school, said he was special.

"I don't think there was, there's ever been anybody like Tiger," he said.

"We could go on and on about how great of an athlete he was, but he was way more than that. He was a complete guy and he was a, he was a stand-up guy that we really respected and honored, and we really liked."

Mr Bech was a member of the 2016 and 2018 Ivy League Championship teams.

More on the New Orleans attack

Nikyra Cheyenne Dedeaux

Melissa 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.

Nikyra's school friend, Dante Reed, told the New York Times he had received a frantic call from her cousin, saying they had run when they heard gunshots, and that she - Nikyra - was missing.

Her grandmother, Jennifer Smith, told the paper "she was a joy for the little time we had her."

"I'm very proud of all of my grandchildren, and that one especially."

Reggie Hunter

Shirell Robinson Jackson

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.

Mr Hunter's younger sister, Courtney Hunter, told the NY Times her brother loved to be around the family and was competitive when it came to playing games.

Kareem Badawi

Belal Badawi

His father, Belal Badawi, confirmed Kareem's death, expressing "great sadness and grief".

Mr Badawi said: "We ask Allah Almighty to shower his mercy on him, and give us patience and strength to overcome this".

"We belong to Allah, and to him we shall return", he added in an expression commonly recited by Muslims when hearing of another Muslim's death.

Last year, a Facebook post by Mr Badawi congratulated Kareem after he graduated from high school.

Kareem was a student at the University of Alabama, whose president, Stuart R Bell, said: "I grieve alongside family and friends of Kareem in their heartbreaking loss."

Mr Bell's message - which was shared by the faculty on Facebook - also asked people to "take a moment to pray for those impacted by this tragedy."

Hubert Gauthreaux

Hubert Gauthreaux

The 21-year-old's death has been confirmed by his former high school, Archbishop Shaw, on social media.

"We are asking the entire Archbishop Shaw family to pray for the repose of Hubert's soul, his family and friends during this difficult time, and all those affected by this tragedy.

"Eternal rest grant unto him, O Lord, and let perpetual light shine upon him. May the souls of all the faithful departed, through the mercy of God, rest in peace."

Nicole Perez

Kimberly Usher fall

Kimberly Usher Fall, Ms Perez's friend and boss at the deli store she managed, called her a dedicated, smart and a "good-hearted person", according to CBS.

"She was beautiful and full of life," she wrote on an online fundraiser she set up for her friend.

The 27-year-old was also a mother to a four-year-old boy.

Ms Usher Fall said Ms Perez used to bring her son into work on his days off from school.

She used to teach him mathematics and the alphabet in the deli's storage room in between work, Ms Usher Fall told The Washington Post newspaper.

"She really was a good kid, man, she really was," she said, adding "she was just getting everything going, and she's gone, just gone."

Matthew Tenedorio

gofundme

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.

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