A New Jersey lacrosse star described as a “gentle-hearted soul” was the most recent New Orleans New 12 months’s Day bloodbath sufferer to be recognized Friday — days after he and 13 others had been murdered by an ISIS-supporting terrorist.
Billy DiMaio, 25, of Holmdel, New Jersey, was in New Orleans to rejoice New 12 months’s Eve and go to the Sugar Bowl faculty soccer recreation when he was killed within the Bourbon Road carnage, his dad and mom confirmed to NOLA.com.
“He was , humble child,” his father, Invoice DiMaio, stated. “He beloved life.”
“He was a pure, gentle-hearted soul,” his mom, Tracie, added. “He can be actually missed.”
In a separate assertion obtained by CBS Information, the household stated they had been “heartbroken.”
“Billy had a smile that would mild up a room, and his laughter was actually infectious. His energetic character impressed everybody round him,” the assertion stated.
“He cared for others greater than himself and, because the oldest brother to Samantha and Anthony held a singular and irreplaceable function of their lives in addition to cousins and associates. He can be dearly missed.”
DiMaio, a Large Apple-based account govt for the media firm Audacy, had grown on Lengthy Island earlier than his household relocated to New Jersey.
He was a “standout” lacrosse participant at each Holmdel Excessive Faculty and Chestnut Hill School in Philadelphia.
“Billy DiMaio was a 25-year-old account govt and a former standout lacrosse participant at Holmdel Excessive Faculty whose life was lower quick by a cowardly terrorist on New 12 months’s Day,” New Jersey Gov. Phil Murphy stated in an announcement.
“A devastating loss.”
DiMaio graduated in 2022 from Chestnut Hill School the place he earned a grasp’s diploma, in response to a assertion from the college.
Comply with the most recent on the phobia assault on New Orleans’ Bourbon Road:
“Billy was a pacesetter inside our neighborhood who shined not solely as a star scholar within the classroom, but in addition as a high athlete, serving as captain on our 2022 championship lacrosse group,” the school stated in an announcement, including they had been “devastated” by his demise.
“Our prayers are with your complete DiMaio household at this tragic hour, as our total faculty displays upon the optimistic affect he had upon so many in our shut neighborhood,” the assertion stated.
DiMaio started working for Audacy two years in the past, the media firm confirmed.
“Past his skilled achievements, Billy can be fondly remembered for his unwavering work ethic, optimistic perspective, and kindness,” Audacy stated in a assertion. “He was a real asset to the Audacy group, and his contributions and presence can be deeply missed.”
The opposite slain victims recognized thus far embrace: Nikyra Cheyenne Dedeaux, 18; Tiger Bech, 28; Reggie Hunter, 37; Nicole Perez, 27; Kareem Badawi; Hubert Gauthreaux, 21; Matthew Tenedorio, 25; and Drew Dauphin, 26.
Whereas officers haven’t but publicly launched the names of the 14 folks killed within the assault, their households and family members have began sharing their tales.
With Put up wires
Supply hyperlink