Nicole Perez, Metairie Mum Killed in New Orleans Attack Mourned By Emotional Instagram and FB Users

Nicole Perez, a 28-year-old mum of a 4-year-old boy has been identified as one of the victims of the New Orleans attack, with condolences being shared on all social platforms including Instagram, Facebook and X (formerly Twitter).

Perez, of Metairie LA, was one of 15 people killed when a ‘lunatic’ identified as Shamsud-Din Jabbar rammed his truck into a crowd of people on Bourbon Street early Wednesday, January 1 2025.

The attack, which occurred when the crowd was ringing in the New Year, killed over a dozen and injured more. While authorities are yet to officially identify victims, family members and friends are taking to social media to mourn them and confirming their identities to the press. In some instances, fundraisers have also been set up to help the grieving families.

Nicole Perez, 27, was a Deli manager in Metairie who had just been promoted to the position, according to the Shreveport Bossier City Advocate on Instagram. She was out with friends when the truck attack occurred, and she was taken to University Hospital but unfortunately succumbed to her injuries.

Her friend and boss, Kimberly Usher-Hall, said she was a great person and employee and a fantastic mom. Perez had just moved into a new apartment and was generally in a good place in her life.

“She was a great mother,” Usher-Fall told ABC News’ Diane Macedo. “She just was a really exciting little young lady and she was getting herself together.”

According to her, Perez often brought her son, Melvin (Melo) to work and was helping him learn math and to read.

Usher-Fall set up a GoFundMe in Perez’s memory to help out her kid.

“Her son Melo is now without his momma, and we are without our friend and dedicated employee. I’m hoping to get some help for her burial expenses and to help her son with expenses he will need to transition into a new living situation.” the fundraiser read. It has so far raised over $30,000, with an overall target of $50,000.

Touched social media users shared emotional reactions to the news.

“Poor kid,” one person commented on Instagram on a post identifying several victims, including Perez.

“Prayers for this beautiful young woman’s family and friends. So tragic,” another user wrote on Facebook.