A British national, Edward Pettifer, 31, from Chelsea, London, was among at least 14 people killed in a vehicle attack in New Orleans on New Year’s Day, the UK Foreign Office confirmed.
Mr. Pettifer’s family described him as a “wonderful son, brother, grandson, nephew, and friend to many” and requested privacy to grieve. His death was caused by blunt force injuries, according to the New Orleans coroner.
The attack occurred on Bourbon Street in the French Quarter, a popular tourist destination, when a pick-up truck ploughed into crowds. The suspect, Shamsud-Din Jabbar, a 42-year-old Texas resident and US Army veteran, was shot dead by police after reportedly exiting the vehicle and firing a weapon.
Authorities discovered an Islamic State flag in the truck and two improvised explosive devices nearby, describing the incident as a “premeditated and evil act.” The FBI confirmed that Jabbar acted alone.
In addition to the 14 fatalities, 39 others were injured, with several still in intensive care. The victims included an aspiring nurse, a college football player, and a mother of a four-year-old.
Despite the tragedy, Bourbon Street reopened on Thursday morning ahead of the Sugar Bowl, a major college football event.
