Families of Victims Demand Answers Following New Orleans New Year's Eve Tragedy

The attack on New Year's Eve in New Orleans has devastated families, as victims' relatives struggle to cope with loss and seek answers about the circumstances surrounding the tragedy. With a focus on the importance of remembrance and emotional closure, family members voice their grief and call for accountability.

The chilling New Year's Eve incident in New Orleans has left deep scars on the lives of those directly affected, as families of the victims strive to make sense of the horrific attack. In the twilight hours before midnight, Jack Bech’s life changed forever when he conversed with his brother, Martin "Tiger" Bech, just before the chaos unfolded. “I just thought it was going to be another conversation,” shared Jack, who was visiting family in Dallas while Tiger, a 28-year-old Princeton alumnus, prepared to welcome the New Year in New Orleans. Tragically, this would be their final conversation. The beloved Tiger was among the 14 victims killed when army veteran Shamsud-Din Jabbar drove his truck into a crowd, sparking pandemonium.

Though Jabbar reportedly claimed allegiance to ISIS online, authorities have maintained that he acted alone. The identities of most victims are still emerging; they include largely young locals who made their way to Bourbon Street to celebrate. Jack Bech characterized his brother as his best friend and role model while highlighting the indelible void left in the Bech family. “Every holiday, there’s going to be an empty seat at the table," he lamented, while also emphasizing that his brother would want the family to embrace life.

Another victim, Matthew Tenedorio, 25, was also remembered tenderly by his family. An audio-visual technician with a passion for life, Tenedorio had spent the earlier part of New Year's Eve with his family, who expressed apprehension about him going into the busy city. Despite their concerns, he ventured into New Orleans with friends, resulting in a heart-wrenching aftermath as he was fatally caught in the crossfire during the incident.

His cousin, Christina Bounds, articulated the pain of not being able to obtain information about Tenedorio's fate. “We couldn’t get any information when my aunt [Tenedorio’s mother] showed up at the hospital," she expressed. This lack of communication exacerbated their grief and sense of loss. Amid their agony, Christina's family set up a GoFundMe to help cover Tenedorio's funeral costs, further strained by previous medical expenses related to his mother's cancer recovery.

Surrounded by sorrow, another cousin, Zach Colgan, cherished memories of Tenedorio as a light-hearted spirit who cared deeply for others. He echoed the family's sentiment that no one should have to endure such senseless loss. As they continue to grieve, Zach highlighted the crucial need for answers, asserting that accountability can assist in coping with the tragedy. “It’d be nice to know a little bit more,” he stated, advocating for ongoing focus on remembrance of the victims.

Through their heart-wrenching experiences, both families underline the quest for answers and the importance of honoring those taken too soon. The enduring legacy of their loved ones reinforces the message: "No one deserves this."