A Baton Rouge father of two was among 14 victims killed early New Year's Day during a suspected terrorist attack on Bourbon Street, family members said.
Reggie Hunter, 37, had gotten off work and headed to Bourbon Street on a whim to ring in the new year with a cousin, according to his first cousin, Shirell Jackson.
"They decided to go out there because he came in from work and said, 'Hey, the Sugar Bowl is tomorrow. It's New Year's Eve. Let's go to the city,'" Jackson said. "Just something so simple. 'Hey cuz, wanna ride me to the city?'"
Hunter and his cousin were both hit by a truck driven at a high rate of speed down Bourbon Street at around 3:15 a.m. Hunter died from his injuries, Jackson said. His cousin was among at least 35 people injured in the attack.
Also killed was an 18-year-old girl from Gulfport, Mississippi, family told The Times-Picayune. Officials have not yet released a name of victims.
He suffered extensive internal injuries and is currently in a hospital, according to Jackson.
"It's hard, and his mama was murdered (in 2016). ... It is bringing back a lot,' Jackson said.
Father of two and Baton Rouge resident Reggie Hunter, 37, was among 10 victims slain Jan. 1, 2025 during a terrorist attack on Bourbon Street, family members said.
Hunter was born in California but spent all his life in the Baton Rouge and Independence areas, Jackson said. He had worked as a warehouse manager for the past six years.
He was a member of the Zulu Social Aid & Pleasure Club and had planned to attend the ball, family said.
He took pride in his 12-year-old son's academic accomplishments in the STEM field and in his 18-month old son. Hunter also loved working out with his family members and friends.
"He wanted to be in the gym with his homeboys and cousins," Jackson said. "And he said, 'I'm getting swole. I said, 'Where? You are so little.'"
Jackson said their close-knit family consisted of "country boys and pretty boys." Hunter belonged to the latter category.
"He was the city slicker. The tennis shoes have to match the hat," she said.
Hunter loved fashion, donning Polo jogging suits and Jordan tennis shoes. He always wore a nice cologne. For Christmas, he was excited to receive "socks and drawers" in his stocking, Jackson said, and his preferred brand was Louis Vuitton.
She and other family members never expected that gathering to be their last Christmas with Hunter. Now, they are organizing a GoFundMe to raise money for his funeral.
"You are praying for a prosperous year in 2025," Jackson said. "And never do you think this is the news you are going to get."
Editor's note: This story was updated to reflect the latest death toll is 14 people killed plus the attacker.
