Katie Couric Instagram – In the aftermath of the devastating New Year’s Day attack in New Orleans, more of the victims’ identities have been released. We continue to honor their memory and reflect on the lives tragically cut short.
Edward Pettifer, 31, the stepson of Tiggy Legge-Bourke, Prince William and Prince Harry’s former nanny and godmother to Prince Harry’s son, was visiting Louisiana from London. His family remembers him as “a wonderful son, brother, grandson, nephew, and a friend to so many.”
Prince William released a statement expressing that he and Princess Kate were “shocked and saddened by the tragic death.” He added that their “thoughts and prayers remain with the Pettifer family and all those innocent people who have been tragically impacted by this horrific attack.”
Terrence “Terry” Kennedy, 63, a nice, mild-mannered man, was always ready to lend a helping hand. A New Orleans resident who had a soft spot for the Saints and the Kansas City Chiefs, he loved NFL football, but his #1 team was the Pittsburgh Steelers.
Elliot Wilkinson, 40, was working to rebuild his life after being released from prison. According to Unity of Greater New Orleans, a nonprofit that supports people experiencing homelessness, he had begun searching for an apartment. He had returned to the city he loved and planned to call home. His brother, Cecil Wilkinson, shared that he had wanted to introduce his daughter to Elliot but never got the chance.
Brandon Taylor, 43, a cook from Terrytown, Louisiana, had a passion for music. He was out celebrating the new year with his fiancée, Heather Genusa, who witnessed his death. “He was my entire life. Brandon was my everything, and I lost it all,” she said. His mother, who lost her oldest son to a heart attack last year, is now mourning the loss of both her children. “Once I put him to rest, I will have time to cry and cry until I cry it all out.”
Learn more at katiecouric.com or through the link in my bio. The Greater New Orleans Foundation has established a fund to support the victims’ families. Details can also be found at the link in my bio. | Posted on 05/Jan/2025 01:25:02
