The Prince of Wales has expressed his shock and sadness over the death of his former nanny’s stepson, Edward Pettifer, who was killed in the New Year’s Day truck attack in New Orleans.
Pettifer, 31, was one of 14 victims who lost their lives when a pickup truck was driven through a crowd in the early hours of New Year’s Day.
In a statement shared on Instagram, Prince 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.”
It is understood that King Charles has reached out to Pettifer’s family to offer his personal condolences after being informed of the news through official channels.
Pettifer, who was from Chelsea, west London, was the stepson of Alexandra Pettifer, formerly known as Tiggy Legge-Bourke, who served as the nanny to William and Harry from 1993 to 1999, including during their mother Diana’s death.
The New Orleans coroner listed Pettifer’s preliminary cause of death as “blunt force injuries.”
Pettifer’s family issued a statement through the Metropolitan police, confirming his death: “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 Foreign Office confirmed 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, according to the Telegraph. The couple separated in the mid-1990s, and Pettifer later married Legge-Bourke. They had two sons, who are godsons to William and Harry.
Foreign Secretary David Lammy said on Saturday: “Extremely saddened to hear the tragic news that a British man was among those killed during the attack in New Orleans. We are supporting their family and are united with the US against terror threats.”
Fourteen people died, and at least 35 others were injured when the suspect, identified as Shamsud-Din Jabbar, allegedly drove a pickup truck through a crowd of revellers celebrating the new year.
The 42-year-old Texan is said to have exited the vehicle and fired a gun before being shot by police.
The FBI is investigating the incident as a terror attack. Authorities are concerned about the possibility of copycat attacks.
A bulletin obtained by Reuters showed that the FBI, the Department for Homeland Security, and the US National Counterterrorism Center believe such attacks are “likely to remain attractive for aspiring assailants.” The Met police confirmed that family liaison officers are supporting Pettifer’s family and assisting with the process of returning his body to the UK.
New Orleans Mayor LaToya Cantrell stated 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 confirmed that one of the victims remains unidentified, while the others were from the US, with the youngest being 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 located nearby.
Law enforcement officials revealed to the Associated Press that bomb-making materials were found at Jabbar’s home during a search after the attack. He had rented the pickup truck on November 14.
Earlier this week, US President Joe Biden stated that the attacker posted a video suggesting inspiration from the Islamic State.
Condemnation of the terrorist attack came from multiple countries, including Britain, France, Germany, and Mexico.
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 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 from Lafayette, Louisiana, and a resident of New York City; Terrence Kennedy, 63, of New Orleans; Elliot Wilkinson, 40, of Slidell, Louisiana; and William DiMaio, 25, of Holmdel, New Jersey.
