Two Alabamians among those killed in New Orleans attack

Two people from Alabama were among the 14 killed when a driver drove into a crowd on Bourbon Street in New Orleans celebrating the new year.

Drew Dauphin, 26, and Kareem Badawi, a freshman at the University of Alabama, were both among those killed in the terrorist attack.

Dauphin was a graduate of Alabama Christian Academy in Montgomery and Auburn University where he earned an engineering degree. He was employed with Honda.

Badawi was a graduate of the Episcopal School in his native Baton Rouge. He was pursuing an engineering degree at UA and was an avid Crimson Tide football fan.

U.S. Sen. Katie Britt received a statement from the Dauphin family.

“It’s unbelievable. Who should have to come up with words for this? Our family is suffering more than anyone can imagine. Drew lit up every room he entered. His smile was infectious. He had the best personality. We are such a tight family, dependent on each other, friends, family and neighbors. We cherish the 26 years that we had with him and raising him will always be one of the greatest joys of our lives. Our family is numb and in shock through this horrific and senseless tragedy. Drew was happiest at Lake Martin with his little brother, Matthew. A close friend said it best, ‘Drew will always now be in the sun at the lake that he loved so much.’ We did not get to spend enough time with him and can’t believe we will never see him again this side of heaven,” the statement read.

Senator Britt said, “As a mom, I can’t even imagine the heartbreak Kareem and Drew’s loved ones are facing right now. No parent, sibling, or friend should ever have to endure this senseless sadness. My family will continue praying for Drew and Kareem’s families and all those affected by this attack. Alabamians rally around each other in the toughest of times, and I know the earnest thoughts of families in every corner of our state are with the Dauphins and Badawis.”