Mississippi teen killed in New Orleans terrorist attack remembered by family, friends

Hundreds of people packed inside the Lyman Community Center on the north side of Gulfport Friday to remember Nikyra Cheyenne Dedeaux, who was killed New Year’s Day when a pickup truck slammed into a crowd of revelers on Bourbon and Canal streets in New Orleans.

Dedeaux, a 2024 graduate of Harrison Central High School, was in New Orleans to celebrate the new year with her cousin and a friend.

The 18-year-old died in what is being called by the FBI an act of terrorism.

The suspect, Shamsud Din Bahar Jabbar, plowed the truck into the crowd before opening fire. He was shot to death by police during the incident.

At least 15 people died in the attack, including the alleged killer.

Cousin Gemaya Cooper said she was heartbroken to learn of her cousin’s death, “especially the way that it happened.”

“She was one of my favorite cousins,” Cooper said. “Knowing that I wasn’t going to see her smile after that …”

Her voice trailed off as she heard a loud wail inside the community center hall where Dedeaux’s body lie in a casket surrounded by flowers and family members.

Cooper ran inside to offer them comfort.

Outside, over 100 vehicles filled the parking lot and visitors came and went or seated themselves before the service.

Co-worker Geraldine Osbey, who worked with Dedeaux in the Singing River Hospital System, waited in the lobby with other coworkers. She remembered Dedeaux with a smile, saying the teen liked to ask her for candy or gum while they were working.

“She was very shy,” she said. “It’s heartbreaking. She reminds me of my daughter.”

Rain fell softly outside as more friends arrived. Many wore pink, one of Dedeaux’s favorite colors.

One of her best friends from high school Chrisean Thomas said he spent lots of time with Dedeaux at each other’s houses, laughing, having fun and enjoying life.

They would have sleepovers at each other’s houses and would do just about everything together.

“She was so funny,” Thomas said. “She couldn’t dance. She was so small.”

Thomas, a senior at Harrison Central High School, said he attended Dedeaux’s graduation and is sad she won’t be there for his.

He and other friends wore pink T-shirts with Dedeaux’s photo on them to honor the friend they lost.

Cedric Bass, a friend of the family, said the terrorist attack hit way too close to home.

“As a community, we come out here to gather together to show love and support for the family,” Bass said.

A second victim from Mississippi was 25-year-old Matthew Tenedorio. He will be remembered at a service Saturday in Slidell.

President Joe Biden flew to New Orleans on Jan. 6 to meet with the victims’ families and offer them comfort.

Gov. Tate Reeves ordered the Mississippi state flag be flown at half-staff to honor the two victims from Mississippi.

Dedeaux was an honor-roll student who loved to travel and spend time with her friends.

“Nikyra was a shining light to all who knew her,” according to her obituary. “Her cheerful, giving spirit and outgoing personality left an indelible mark on everyone she met.”

Among her survivors are her parents, Nicholas Dedeaux and Melissa Smith Dedeaux, and her siblings, Shaniya Smith, Kearston Dedeaux, Madison Dedeaux, Autumn Dedeaux, Cortez Pharr and Zechariah Boykin-Dedeaux.

Lockett-Williams Mortuary of Gulfport handled Dedeaux’s funeral arrangements.

Lici Beveridge is a reporter for the Hattiesburg American and Clarion Ledger. Contact her at lbeveridge@gannett.com. Follow her on X @licibev or Facebook at facebook.com/licibeveridge.

This article originally appeared on Mississippi Clarion Ledger: New Orleans terror victim Nikyra Dedeaux, 18, honored at Miss. service

EMEA Tribune is not involved in this news article, it is taken from our partners and or from the News Agencies. Copyright and Credit go to the News Agencies, email news@emeatribune.com Follow our WhatsApp verified Channel