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The Prince of Wales said he was “shocked and saddened” by the “tragic” death of his former nanny’s stepson in a New Year’s Day vehicle attack in New Orleans.
The Metropolitan Police confirmed they were supporting the family of Edward Pettifer, 31, of Chelsea, who was killed in the attack in Bourbon Street, Louisiana.
Authorities have confirmed 14 people died and at least 35 others were injured when the suspect, identified as Shamsud-Din Jabbar, allegedly ploughed a pick-up truck through crowds of New Year revellers.
In a personally signed message posted on the Kensington Palace social media account, William said: “Catherine and I have been shocked and saddened by the tragic death of Ed Pettifer.
“Our thoughts and prayers remain with the Pettifer family and all those innocent people who have been tragically impacted by this horrific attack. W.”
It is understood the King was made aware of Mr Pettifer’s death through official channels, was deeply saddened, and had been in touch with the family to share personal condolences.
The Telegraph reported that Mr Pettifer was the stepson of William and Harry’s former nanny Tiggy Legge-Bourke, also known as Alexandra Pettifer.
Mr Pettifer was the eldest son of Charles Pettifer, a former Coldstream Guards officer, and Camilla Wyatt, the daughter of a racehorse breeder, according to the newspaper.
His half-brother Tom, who is a godson to William, was a page boy at the wedding of the Prince and Princess of Wales in 2011.
Jabbar, a 42-year-old Texan, allegedly got out of the vehicle and fired a gun before being shot by police.
Mr Pettifer’s family said in a statement: “The entire family are devastated at the tragic news of Ed’s death in New Orleans. He was a wonderful son, brother, grandson, nephew, and a friend to so many.
“We will all miss him terribly. Our thoughts are with the other families who have lost their family members due to this terrible attack.
“We request that we can grieve the loss of Ed as a family in private. Thank you.”
The New Orleans coroner gave Mr Pettifer’s preliminary cause of death as “blunt force injuries”.
William, the former employer of a nanny in New Orleans, expressed his shock and sadness upon hearing of the death of her stepson. The heartbreaking news has left him devastated and deeply affected.
In a statement released by William’s spokesperson, he expressed his condolences to the nanny and her family during this difficult time. He also shared that he was grateful for the care and dedication she had shown to his children during her time working for him.
The tragic incident serves as a reminder of the preciousness of life and the importance of cherishing our loved ones. William is keeping the nanny and her family in his thoughts and prayers as they navigate through this heartbreaking loss.
The news of the stepson’s death has left William with a heavy heart, and he hopes that the family can find comfort and strength in each other during this trying time.
King Charles is said to be deeply saddened by the death of a British man in the New Orleans truck attack who has been named as Edward Pettifer, the stepson of Prince William and Prince Harry’s former nanny.
Pettifer, 31, of Chelsea, west London, was one of 14 people killed when a pickup truck was driven through a crowd of people in the early hours of New Year’s Day.
It is understood King Charles has been in touch with his family to share personal condolences after being informed of the news through official channels.
Pettifer is the stepson of Tiggy Legge-Bourke, who was the nanny for William and Harry from 1993-99, including during the time of Princess Diana’s death.
The New Orleans coroner gave Pettifer’s preliminary cause of death as “blunt force injuries”.
Pettifer’s family issued a statement through the Metropolitan police, who confirmed his death. They said: “The entire family are devastated at the tragic news of Ed’s death in New Orleans. He was a wonderful son, brother, grandson, nephew and a friend to so many.
Wooden crosses bearing the photos of victims killed in the attack are seen at a makeshift memorial in New Orleans. Photograph: Octavio Jones/Reuters
“We will all miss him terribly. Our thoughts are with the other families who have lost their family members due to this terrible attack. We request that we can grieve the loss of Ed as a family in private. Thank you.”
Kensington Palace has declined to comment. The Foreign Office said it was supporting the victim’s family and was in contact with US authorities.
Pettifer was the eldest son of Charles Pettifer and Camilla Wyatt, the Telegraph reported. They separated in the mid-1990s, and Pettifer went on to marry Legge-Bourke, the paper said. They had two sons, who are godsons of William and Harry.
Fourteen people died and at least 35 others were injured when the suspect, identified as Shamsud-Din Jabbar, allegedly ploughed a pickup truck through crowds of revellers celebrating the new year.
The 42-year-old Texan allegedly got out of the vehicle and fired a gun before being shot by police.
A bulletin seen by Reuters showed that the FBI, the Department for Homeland Security, and the US National Counterterrorism centre believe they are “likely to remain attractive for aspiring assailants”.
The Met police said family liaison officers were supporting Pettifer’s family and helping them through the process of returning his body to the UK.
The New Orleans mayor, LaToya Cantrell, said at a press conference that the victims and their families “matter” to the entire city. “Our hearts and prayers continue to go out to the victim’s families,” she said.
The New Orleans coroner said one of those killed remained unidentified with the others coming from the US, the youngest aged 18 and the oldest 63.
It is believed the suspect acted alone. The FBI confirmed that an Islamic State flag was found inside the vehicle and explosive devices were found nearby.
Law enforcement officials told the Associated Press news agency Jabbar had bomb-making materials at his home, when it was searched after the attack. He had booked the rental of the pickup truck on 14 November, weeks before it took place.
Earlier this week, the US president, Joe Biden, said the attacker posted a video that indicated he was inspired by Islamic State.
Condemnation of the terrorist incident came from countries including Britain, France, Germany and Mexico.
The British prime minister, Keir Starmer, said on Wednesday: “The shockingly violent attack in New Orleans is horrific. My thoughts are with the victims, their families, the emergency responders and the people of the United States at this tragic time.”
The UK foreign secretary, David Lammy, said consular officials in the US were on hand to help any British nationals affected.
The New Orleans coroner’s office released the names of all but one of those killed in the attack.
They are: Drew Dauphin, 26, of Montgomery, Alabama; Kareem Badawi, 18, of Baton Rouge, Louisiana; Brandon Taylor, 43, of Harvey, Louisiana; Hubert Gauthreaux, 21, of Gretna, Louisiana; Matthew Tenedorio, 25, of Picayune, Mississippi; Nikyra Dedeaux, 18, of Gulfport, Mississippi; Nicole Perez, 27, of Metairie, Louisiana; Reggie Hunter, 37, of Prairieville, Louisiana; Martin “Tiger” Bech, 27, originally of Lafayette, Louisiana, and a resident of New York City; Terrence Kennedy, 63, of New Orleans; Elliot Wilkinson, 40, of Slidell, Louisiana; William DiMaio, 25, of Holmdel, New Jersey.
Yesterday, King Charles expressed his deep sadness and condolences for the death of a British man in the tragic New Orleans truck attack. The attack, which occurred in the early hours of the morning, left several others injured as well.
The King stated that he was “shocked and saddened” to hear about the incident and extended his sympathies to the family and loved ones of the victim. He also commended the emergency services for their quick response and assistance in the aftermath of the attack.
The New Orleans truck attack has left the community in shock and mourning, and investigations are currently underway to determine the motive behind the attack. The King urged for unity and support for those affected by the tragedy, emphasizing the importance of coming together in times of need.
Our thoughts are with the British man’s family and all those affected by this senseless act of violence. May they find strength and solace during this difficult time.
At least 15 people were killed and injured dozens when a driver rammed a pickup truck into a crowd along Bourbon Street in the French Quarter before being killed in a firefight with police.
“Obviously, our hearts and prayers go out to the people there that were affected,” Hart said before Wednesday’s game against the Jazz at the Garden. “I loved my time in New Orleans. Bourbon Street, spent my fair share of time on Bourbon Street. So your heart goes out to everyone there, and your prayers goes out to everyone there.
Josh Hart spent over two seasons with the Pelicans. Charles Wenzelberg/New York Post
“New Orleans always has had a special spot in my heart. It’s just tragic what happened.”
Hart, who registered his third triple-double this season in Monday’s road win over the Wizards, was traded by the Lakers to the Pelicans in the 2019 Anthony Davis blockbuster before getting dealt again to the Trail Blazers at the 2022 trade deadline.
The Knicks acquired the former Villanova star in February of 2023 from Portland in exchange for Cam Reddish and a first-round draft pick.
New Orleans police and federal agents investigate a suspected terrorist attack on Bourbon Street in New Orleans on New Year’s Day on Wednesday, Jan. 1, 2025. APNew Orleans police and federal agents investigate where an explosive device was found on Bourbon Street in New Orleans on New Year’s Day on Wednesday, Jan. 1, 2025. AP
Knicks forward Matt Ryan also appeared in 28 games for the Pelicans last season, and he spent training camp with them earlier this season before he was waived and signed by the Knicks as a free agent.
“For sure, it’s tough to see because New Orleans, for people that don’t know New Orleans, it’s just so vibrant, so lively. It’s just a tragedy,” Hart added. “Bourbon Street, it’s always crazy. People travel to go there, to get there to celebrate New Year’s, Mardi Gras. Bourbon Street is like a melting pot for all different kinds of people, from races to religion to everything.”
New Orleans eventually recovered from the devastation of Hurricane Katrina in 2005, and Hart noted, “it’s a resilient city, and they’ll get through this, too. But like I said, just a tragedy.”
The Sugar Bowl game between Georgia and Notre Dame slated for Wednesday night was postponed to Thursday.
Matt Ryan has spent time with the Pelicans during his NBA career. Charles Wenzelberg / New York Post
“Praying for our city and those impacted by the tragic events that took place early this morning,” Pelicans star Zion Williamson posted on social media.
The Pelicans and the Saints issued a joint statement saying the two area franchises are “deeply saddened by the tragic events” that occurred in the early morning hours.
“Our hearts go out to all the victims and their families during this difficult time,” the joint statement read. “We express our deepest gratitude to the first responders who acted swiftly and bravely on the scene.
“New Orleans is a city built on resilience, and this heartbreaking event reminds us of the importance of coming together to support one another to honor those affected, and to work toward healing as a community. In times of tragedy, the New Orleans community has always shown extraordinary courage and compassion, and we are certain that this time will be no different.”
New Orleans Pelicans player Josh Hart has expressed his deep sadness and shock following the “tragic” attack that took place in the city recently. The attack, which left multiple people injured and one person dead, has rocked the community and left many reeling.
In a statement released on social media, Hart expressed his condolences to the victims and their families, and urged for unity and peace during this difficult time. He also called for an end to senseless violence and for the community to come together to support one another.
Hart, who has been a vocal advocate for social justice and community engagement, is known for his philanthropic efforts and dedication to making a positive impact in his community. His heartfelt response to the tragedy highlights his commitment to using his platform for good and spreading positivity in the face of adversity.
As the city of New Orleans mourns the victims of this senseless attack, Josh Hart’s words serve as a reminder of the importance of coming together in times of tragedy and supporting one another through difficult times. Our thoughts are with the victims and their families during this challenging time.
