Gov. Tate Reeves has directed all flags across Mississippi to be flown at half-staff on Jan. 9 and Jan. 17 in memory of the two natives who lost their lives during the New Orleans terror attack on New Year’s Day.
Nikyra Dedeaux and Matthew Tenedorio were among the Bourbon Street revelers struck by a pickup truck being driven by ISIS member and U.S. Army veteran Shamsud-Din Jabbar. What was confirmed as an act of terrorism by the FBI resulted in 14 innocent lives being taken and the driver himself being shot and killed by law enforcement at the time of the carnage.
“Mississippi mourns the loss of Nikyra, Matthew, and the 12 other Americans who lost their lives in the terror attack in New Orleans,” Reeves said after signing the proclamation. “Nikyra and Matthew were loved by their friends, family, and their state. We continue to stand with our friends in Louisiana and will continue to pray for the victims and their families. Mississippi will never forget them.”
Dedeaux, 18, was a graduate of Harrison Central High School in Gulfport and an aspiring nurse, NOLA.com reported. Her mother remembered her daughter as “the sweetest person” she had ever met.
Tenedorio, 25, was a graduate of Pearl River Central High School in Carriere and was employed as an audiovisual technician for Caesar’s Superdome. He would have been working at the Sugar Bowl, which was planned for Jan. 1 but moved to Jan. 2 due to the attack, if not killed by the hellbent driver.
“Matthew was a beloved son, brother, uncle, and friend whose laid-back spirit and infectious laughter brought joy to everyone around him,” read the description of a GoFundMe set up for Tenedorio’s medical costs. “Matthew was always one to lighten the mood, able to laugh off life’s challenges, and spread positivity wherever he went.”
Dozens were also injured by Din-Jabbar, including University of Mississippi student Parker Vidrine. The freshman was rushed to a local hospital where he underwent emergency surgery and was placed on a ventilator. As of this week, he has been released but still has a lengthy road to recovery, according to his family and friends.
While the FBI and other law enforcement agencies continue to investigate, officials do not believe Jabbar was working alongside anyone else. Photos and videos released by the FBI showed Jabbar visiting New Orleans at least twice before the attack during a possible scouting mission.
