William ‘shocked’ by death of ex-nanny’s stepson in New Orleans attack
Authorities have confirmed 14 people died and at least 35 others were injured in the attack.
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Your support makes all the difference.The Prince of Wales said he was “shocked and saddened” by the “tragic” death of his former nanny’s stepson in a vehicle attack in New Orleans.
The Metropolitan Police confirmed they were supporting the family of Edward Pettifer, 31, of Chelsea, who was killed in the New Year’s Day attack in Bourbon Street, Louisiana.
Authorities have confirmed 14 people died and at least 35 others were injured when the suspect, identified as Shamsud-Din Jabbar, allegedly ploughed a pick-up truck through crowds of New Year revellers.
In a personally signed message posted on the Kensington Palace social media account, 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. W.”
It is understood the King was made aware of Mr Pettifer’s death through official channels, was deeply saddened, and had been in touch with the family to share personal condolences.
The Telegraph reported that Mr Pettifer was the stepson of William and Harry’s former nanny Tiggy Legge-Bourke, also known as Alexandra Pettifer.
Mr Pettifer was the eldest son of Charles Pettifer, a former Coldstream Guards officer, and Camilla Wyatt, the daughter of a racehorse breeder, according to the newspaper.
His half-brother Tom, who is a godson to William, was a page boy at the wedding of the Prince and Princess of Wales in 2011.
Foreign Secretary David Lammy said he was “extremely saddened” to hear of the death.
In a statement, Mr Lammy said: “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.”
Jabbar, a 42-year-old Texan, allegedly got out of the vehicle and fired a gun before being shot by police.
Mr Pettifer’s family said in a statement: “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.”
The New Orleans coroner gave Mr Pettifer’s preliminary cause of death as “blunt force injuries”.
The Met Police said family liaison officers are supporting Mr Pettifer’s family and helping them through the process of returning his body to the UK.
The Foreign Office also said it was supporting the victim’s family and was in contact with US authorities.
The attack took place in the city’s popular French Quarter at around 3.15am local time on New Year’s Day.
The New Orleans coroner said one of those killed remains unidentified with the others coming from the US – the youngest aged 18 and the oldest 63.
The FBI confirmed an Islamic State flag was found inside the vehicle and explosive devices were discovered nearby.
It is believed the suspect acted alone.
Earlier this week, US President Joe Biden said the attacker posted a video which indicated he was inspired by the so-called Islamic State group.