A New Jersey lacrosse star described as a “gentle-hearted soul” was the latest New Orleans New Year’s Day massacre victim to be identified Friday — days after he and 13 others were murdered by an ISIS-supporting terrorist.
Billy DiMaio, 25, of Holmdel, New Jersey, was in New Orleans to celebrate New Year’s Eve and go to the Sugar Bowl college football game when he was killed in the Bourbon Street carnage, his parents confirmed to NOLA.com.
“He was a good, humble kid,” his father, Bill DiMaio, said. “He loved life.”
“He was a pure, gentle-hearted soul,” his mother, Tracie, added. “He will be truly missed.”
In a separate statement obtained by CBS News, the family said they were “heartbroken.”
“Billy had a smile that could light up a room, and his laughter was truly infectious. His energetic personality inspired everyone around him,” the statement said.
“He cared for others more than himself and, as the oldest brother to Samantha and Anthony held a unique and irreplaceable role in their lives as wells as cousins and friends. He will be dearly missed.”
DiMaio, a Big Apple-based account executive for the media company Audacy, had grown on Long Island before his family relocated to New Jersey.
He was a “standout” lacrosse player at both Holmdel High School and Chestnut Hill College in Philadelphia.
“Billy DiMaio was a 25-year-old account executive and a former standout lacrosse player at Holmdel High School whose life was cut short by a cowardly terrorist on New Year’s Day,” New Jersey Gov. Phil Murphy said in a statement.
“A devastating loss.”
DiMaio graduated in 2022 from Chestnut Hill College where he earned a master’s degree, according to a statement from the school.
“Billy was a leader within our community who shined not only as a star student in the classroom, but also as a top athlete, serving as captain on our 2022 championship lacrosse team,” the college said in a statement, adding they were “devastated” by his death.
“Our prayers are with the entire DiMaio family at this tragic hour, as our entire college reflects upon the positive impact he had upon so many in our close community,” the statement said.
DiMaio began working for Audacy two years ago, the media company confirmed.
“Beyond his professional achievements, Billy will be fondly remembered for his unwavering work ethic, positive attitude, and kindness,” Audacy said in a statement. “He was a true asset to the Audacy team, and his contributions and presence will be deeply missed.”
The other slain victims identified so far include: 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.
While officials haven’t yet publicly released the names of the 14 people killed in the attack, their families and loved ones have started sharing their stories.
With Post wires