As the New Orleans community continues to mourn those lost in the terrorist attack in the early hours of New Year’s Day, the Saints and Pelicans announced that one of the dead was an employee of theirs.
“We remain heartbroken by the tragic events that claimed innocent lives in our city yesterday morning,” the Saints’ statement began. “Among those lost was Matthew Tenedorio, a valued member of the ASM New Orleans video production team. Matthew was young, talented and had a bright future, helping to deliver quality content for both the New Orleans Saints and the Pelicans .
“Our thoughts, prayers and deepest condolences are with the Tenedorio family and all those affected by this senseless act of terrorism. Together, as a city, state and region, we will emerge stronger from this tragedy.”
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The Emirates Cup logo during a game between the New Orleans Pelicans and the Golden State Warriors at the Smoothie King Center. (Stephen Lew/Image Images)
More than a dozen people were killed and many more were injured when Shamsud-Din Jabbar drove a truck through a crowd on New Orleans’ historic Bourbon Street. The authorities determined that it was a terrorist attack.
The attack led to the postponement of the Sugar Bowl, a College Football Playoff quarterfinal matchup between Georgia and Notre Dame at Caesars Superdome.
The game was originally scheduled for Wednesday night, but was moved to Thursday afternoon.
NOTRE DAME’S MARCUS FREEMAN TALKS TEAM MEETING AFTER SUGAR BOWL POSTPONED FOLLOWING TERRORIST ATTACK
Officials opened Bourbon Street hours before Thursday’s game, which Louisiana Gov. Jeff Landry is expected to attend.
“Security is going to be tight,” Landry said during an appearance on “Fox & Friends.” “We are all confident that we are going to host this game. The Superdome is completely secure. Once again, the FBI continues to invest resources in the state.”
Many reacted to the senseless act of violence, including Notre Dame football coach Marcus Freeman, who spoke to his team about what happened.
The words “End Racism” and the New Orleans Saints logo in the end zone before an NFL International Series game at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium. (Kirby Lee/USA Today Sports)
“The first part of that meeting was to cry and pray for our country,” he said during an appearance on ESPN.
“In the most difficult times, the culture of any program, of any nation, reveals itself. I have great faith that we will come together in the city of New Orleans and support all the victims and families who were affected today.”
SEC Commissioner Greg Sankey also posted on social media platform X.
“We remain stunned and saddened by the New Year’s Day tragedy in New Orleans,” Sankey wrote.
“We are also grateful for the work of so many people to adjust and adapt to make a football game possible today for @GeorgiaFootball and @NDFootball.”
A New Orleans Saints helmet during a game against the Green Bay Packers at Lambeau Field. (Jeff Hanisch/Image Images)
The winner of the Sugar Bowl will face No. 6 Penn State, which defeated No. 3 Boise State New Year’s Eve.
