Reggie Hunter, a 37-year-old man from Baton Rouge, tragically lost his life in the New Orleans truck attack. He leaves behind an 11-year-old and a 1-year-old, as confirmed by his cousin, Shirell Robinson Jackson. Jackson shared that Hunter was on Bourbon Street with his cousin Kevin Ball, who is currently hospitalized due to the incident.
Although Jackson has not been able to directly communicate with Ball, her cousin informed her that Ball is awake and inquiring about Hunter. The last contact Jackson had with Hunter was a text message sent at 12:07 a.m. in their family group chat, wishing everyone a 'Happy new year.'
Approximately five hours later, Hunter was rushed to the hospital. Jackson mentioned that he was still alive upon arrival, but unfortunately succumbed to his injuries by 7:20 a.m. The doctor informed Jackson that Hunter's injuries indicated that the truck had run over him, resulting in a ruptured spleen, punctured lung, internal bleeding, and other severe injuries.
Expressing her grief on Facebook, Jackson emphasized that Hunter was not a threat to anyone and did not deserve such a tragic fate, just like the other victims. She described Hunter as someone who enjoyed laughter and sharing jokes, reminiscing about their shared inside jokes. Jackson also highlighted Hunter's deep love for his children and family.
This devastating incident on the first day of 2025 has left a profound impact on the community, serving as a stark reminder of the unpredictability of life and the importance of cherishing our loved ones.