Nice attack victims: Tributes paid to Texan father and son killed in lorry massacre

The Copeland were on a family trip to Spain and France to celebrate a relative's birthday

The bullet holes in the lorry's windscreen from where police officers shot at attacker Mohamed Lahouaiej Bouhlel (AP)

Tributes were being paid to a father and son from Texas who were among the 84 victims of the terror attack in Nice on the French national holiday of Bastille Day.

A family representative and the US State Department confirmed overnight that Sean Copeland and his 11-year-old son Brodie were among those killed. There was no indication on Friday morning that any other Americans had perished in the attack in the southern French city.

“We are heartbroken and in shock over the loss of Brodie Copeland, an amazing son and brother who lit up our lives, and Sean Copeland, a wonderful husband and father,” the family said in a statement distributed by friend Jess Davis. “They are so loved.”

Mr Copeland, 51, was the vice president of North and South America for Kapow Software, Mr Davis told the Statesman newspaper in Austin. The family has a hope in Lakeway, Texas, outside Austin, the state capital.

“We are aware that two US citizens were killed in the attack. We are working with local authorities to determine if other U.S. citizens were injured in the event,” the State Department said on Friday. “We strongly urge U.S. citizens in Nice to be in direct contact with your family members in the United States and elsewhere to advise them of your safety.”

Mr Copeland’s young son was mourned in a tribute posted on the Facebook page of the the local Hill Country Baseball league where he used to play in the summer months. “Nobody deserves this type of fate, especially not such a wonderful family,” the tribute said.

“This is a very difficult time for our family,“ Sean Copeland's brother Troy later told NBC News. He declined to comment further. According to the Statesman, Mr Copeland helped coach at his son’s baseball league.

A niece of Mr Copeland, Alyssa Weaver, said in a Twitter message that the family had been in Nice on holiday and had been among the throngs gathered on the waterfront to watch Bastille Day fireworks when a lorry ploughed into it. The family holiday had begun in Pamplona, Spain.

Ms Weaver tweeted, “I am asking for prayers for my family, due to the tragedy in Nice, France I lost my uncle Sean and my 11 year old cousin Brodie I ask for prayers for my aunt Kim and my two other cousins Maegan and Austin during this tough time and prayers for my family’s safe trip back home #CopelandStrong”.

A second niece, Haley Copeland, also confirmed the tragedy in a Twitter post.

“They were there on vacation with my two other cousins and aunt celebrating a birthday,” she worte. “This is an extremely difficult time for my family and anyone who knows Sean and Brodie Copeland. Losing a loved one is hard no matter the circumstances but losing a loved one in such a tragic and unexpected way is unbearable. Prayers are much appreciated. #CopelandFamily #nice.“