The death of Edward Pettifer, 31, in the New Year’s Day truck attack in New Orleans has sent shockwaves across the Atlantic. Pettifer, the stepson of Alexandra Pettifer (formerly Tiggy Legge-Bourke, the former nanny to Princes William and Harry), was among the 14 people killed when a pickup truck plowed into a crowd of New Year’s Eve revelers.
Prince William expressed his profound sadness and shock at the news in an Instagram statement, offering condolences to the Pettifer family and all those affected by the horrific attack. King Charles also conveyed his personal sympathies to the family. The Pettifer family released a statement through the Metropolitan Police, describing their devastating loss and requesting privacy during their grieving period. The Foreign Office confirmed it was supporting the family and working with US authorities.
Pettifer, a Chelsea resident, was the eldest son of Charles Pettifer and Camilla Wyatt. He was also a stepson to Alexandra Pettifer, who served as nanny to Princes William and Harry from 1993 to 1999. His younger half-brothers are godchildren of William and Harry. The New Orleans coroner determined Pettifer’s cause of death to be blunt force injuries.
The attack, allegedly perpetrated by 42-year-old Texan Shamsud-Din Jabbar, resulted in 14 fatalities and at least 35 injuries. Jabbar, who reportedly exited the vehicle and fired a gun before being apprehended by police, is suspected of acting alone. The FBI is investigating the incident as a terrorist attack, citing the discovery of an Islamic State flag inside the vehicle and explosive devices nearby. Furthermore, bomb-making materials were found at Jabbar’s home. President Biden stated that the attacker had posted a video indicating inspiration from the Islamic State.
The incident has drawn international condemnation, with statements of sorrow and support issued by various world leaders, including the British Prime Minister. The New Orleans mayor, LaToya Cantrell, expressed the city’s condolences to the victims’ families. The Metropolitan Police confirmed they were assisting Pettifer’s family with repatriating his body to the UK. The New Orleans Coroner’s office released the names of thirteen of the victims, including Edward Pettifer, with one victim remaining unidentified. The youngest victim was 18, and the oldest was 63. The FBI, Department of Homeland Security, and the US National Counterterrorism Center expressed concerns about the potential for copycat attacks.