New Orleans attack victims from New York, New Jersey remembered
PRINCETON, N.J. — Victims of the New Orleans attack on New Year's Day with ties to New Jersey and New York are being remembered.
At least 14 people were killed when authorities say ISIS supporter Shamsud-Din Jabbar intentionally drove into a crowd of people on Bourbon Street.
Princeton graduate Martin "Tiger" Bech killed in New Orleans attack
Martin "Tiger" Bech was a star football player at Princeton University from 2016-2018 – an All-Ivy League kick returner and receiver.
"Tiger was a full-of-life kind of sparkplug," said Lance Strother, Bech's high school football coach.
He graduated with a finance degree and was working as a trader at Seaport Global in Manhattan.
"Tiger was a vivacious, incredibly giving human being, colleague, friend. We are all devastated by this senseless loss," said Lisa Lieberman, the managing HR director at Seaport Global.
Work colleagues mourning his loss say Bech, 27, was humble and dedicated.
"We are very tight-knit, and we'll get through this together, but we are just sending our deepest condolences to Tiger, to the Bech family, and all of our love and support and prayers," Lieberman said.
Princeton graduate Ryan Quigley injured in New Orleans attack
Bech was with his close friend and fellow Princeton graduate Ryan Quigley at the time of the attack. Quigley was injured, but is expected to recover. He was still in a New Orleans hospital Thursday.
Quigley grew up in a Philadelphia suburb and graduated from Lanadale Catholic High School. A neighbor said the 26-year-old was also a great athlete.
"Ryan was just an awesome kid. Great character. The Quigleys were great. You know, Paul and Kelly did a great job in raising Ryan," a neighbor said.
Quigley is expected to make a full recovery, according to that neighbor.
"Got a text from his dad saying he's stable but very emotionally distraught at what happened to his roommate and friend, his best friend Tiger. I was reaching out to Paul to wish him a happy New Year's and texted me that he was on his way to New Orleans," the neighbor said.
Friends have set up a GoFundMe page for Quigley's recovery and in Bech's honor. They describe Quigley as a fighter.
Holmdel resident Billy DiMaio killed in New Orleans attack
Billy DiMaio Jr., a 25-year-old resident of Holmdel in Monmouth County, was also killed in the attack.
His family has asked for privacy as they try to come to grips with their profound loss and plan his funeral.
In a statement, they said:
"Words cannot express the devastation our family is experiencing. Billy had a smile that could light up a room, and his laughter was truly infectious. His energetic personality inspired everyone around him. He cared for others more than himself and, as the oldest brother to Samantha and Anthony held a unique and irreplaceable role in their lives as wells as cousins and friends. He will be dearly missed.
"His parents, Bill and Tracie are heartbroken by this loss. Their love and dedication to Billy were unwavering, and they find solace in the many wonderful memories they shared with him. Our family stands together in this difficult time, honoring Billy's beautiful spirit and the incredible impact he had on all of us."
The radio broadcasting company Audacy confirmed he worked there, saying, "Billy will be fondly remembered for his unwavering work ethic, positive attitude and kindness."
DiMaio is listed as a member of the 2022 Chestnut Hill College lacrosse team in Philadelphia. A former college roommate and lacrosse teammate remembers DiMaio as a leader on and off the field. The last time their friend group heard from him was a day before the attack when he let them know he was in New Orleans to celebrate New Year's Eve. On New Year's Day, no one could get in touch with him.
In a statement, a representative for Chestnut Hill College wrote:
"We are devastated by the news of the passing of our alumnus Billy DiMaio '22. Billy was a leader within our community who shined not only as a star student in the classroom, but also as a top athlete, serving as a Captain on our 2022 championship Lacrosse team. Our prayers are with the entire DiMaio family at this tragic hour, as our entire College reflects upon the positive impact he had upon so many in our close community."
The superintendent of the Holmdel Township School District sent CBS News New York the following statement:
"The Holmdel Township School District is deeply saddened to learn that Billy DiMaio, a 2017 graduate of Holmdel High School, was among the victims of the recent terrorist attack in New Orleans. Billy was a valued member of our community who gave back by assisting with the boys' lacrosse program, leaving a positive impact on our students.
"The district's administration and counseling department stand ready to support any students or staff who may be struggling with this tragic loss. On behalf of the Board of Education and the entire Holmdel school community, we extend our deepest condolences to the DiMaio family and all those affected by this senseless act of violence. Our thoughts and prayers are with them during this incredibly difficult time."
Long Island native Matthew Tenedorio fatally shot in New Orleans attack
The family of 25-year-old Matthew Tenedorio confirms he died from a gunshot wound in the attack. They say he was born in Mineola on Long Island, but moved to the New Orleans area when he was about 5 years old.
Tenedorio's parents say once the attacker started shooting, Matthew and his friends got pushed in different directions.
"They kept calling him, no response. We kept calling, no response," father Lou Tenedorio said.
Tenedorio is the youngest of three boys.
"Our gift from God. That's what his name means, gift from God. He was my miracle baby," mother Cathy Tenedorio said.
His family said he worked at the Superdome in New Orleans with his father.
His cousins said he will always be remembered for his laugh and sense of humor.
"He, he was such a goofball. He really was. Anyone that knows Matt just can agree with me ... His laugh was contagious. If he had a superpower, that would be like his secret superpower, to make people laugh," cousin Zach Colgan said.
"He was just a good kid, only 25. I mean, it's just ridiculous something like this would happen to him," cousin Victoria Martinez said.
In a post on X, New York Gov. Kathy Hochul wrote, "25-year-old Matthew Tenedorio, whose family is from Nassau County, is one of the 15 victims who were brutally murdered in the New Orleans terror attack. All New Yorkers are mourning the horrific loss of one of our own."
