Following a family dinner on New Year’s Eve, a heartbreaking turn of events unfolded for the Tenedorio family. Cathy and Lou Tenedorio had requested their son Matthew to send them a text upon reaching home safely after celebrating on Bourbon Street. Unfortunately, that anticipated message never arrived, leaving the family in distress.
Tragically, Matthew Tenedorio, aged 25, was among the 14 individuals who lost their lives when a man drove a pickup truck through a crowd in New Orleans in the early hours of Wednesday. Recalling the last moments before Matthew left the dinner in Slidell, Louisiana, his mother had lovingly reminded him to text upon arrival, expressing her concern for his safety.
Despite efforts by his parents to persuade him to stay closer to home, Matthew and his friends proceeded to New Orleans. When the chaos erupted on Bourbon Street, Matthew bravely ran towards the scene in an attempt to assist, as recounted by his parents based on information from his companions.
According to Cathy Tenedorio, a coroner informed the family that Matthew had succumbed to a gunshot wound. While this detail has not been independently verified, authorities had previously stated that the suspect was killed in a confrontation with law enforcement following the incident.
Reflecting on her son, Cathy described Matthew as someone with 'the biggest heart.' The devastating reality of the situation hit Lou Tenedorio the next morning, as he grappled with the realization that he would never see his son again. Overwhelmed with grief, he expressed the profound pain of losing Matthew.
As the Tenedorio family navigates this unimaginable loss, their community and loved ones offer support and condolences during this difficult time.
