The Prince of Wales said he was shocked and saddened by the death of his former nanny’s stepson in a truck attack on New Year’s Day in New Orleans.
Edward Pettifer, 31, was one of 14 people killed when a van drove through a crowd in the early hours of New Year’s Day.
In a statement posted on Instagram, Prince William said: “Catherine and I were shocked and saddened by the tragic death of Ed Pettifer.
“Our thoughts and prayers are with the Pettifer family and all those innocent people who have been tragically affected by this horrific attack.”
It is understood that King Charles has been in contact with his family to offer his personal condolences after being informed of the news through official channels.
Pettifer, originally from Chelsea, west London, was the stepson of Tiggy Legge-Bourke, who was William and Harry’s nanny from 1993 to 1999, including at the time of their mother Diana’s death.
The New Orleans coroner gave Pettifer’s preliminary cause of death as “blunt force injuries.”
Pettifer’s family released a statement through the Metropolitan Police, which confirmed his death. They said: “The entire family is devastated by the tragic news of Ed’s death in New Orleans. He was a wonderful son, brother, grandson, nephew and friend to so many.
“We will all miss him terribly. Our hearts go out to other families who have lost family members to this terrible attack. We ask that we be able to mourn Ed’s loss as a family privately. THANKS.”
Kensington Palace declined to comment. The Foreign Office said it was supporting the victim’s family and was in contact with US authorities.
Pettifer was the eldest son of Charles Pettifer and Camilla Wyatt, the Telegraph reported. They separated in the mid-1990s and Pettifer married Legge-Bourke, according to the newspaper. They had two sons, godchildren of William and Harry.
Fourteen people died and at least 35 others were injured when the suspect, identified as Shamsud-Din Jabbar, allegedly drove a van into a crowd of revelers celebrating the New Year.
The 42-year-old Texan allegedly got out of the vehicle and fired a gun before being shot and killed by police.
The FBI said it was investigating the incident as a terrorist attack. Law enforcement and intelligence agencies are concerned about the potential for a copycat attack.
A bulletin seen by Reuters showed that the FBI, the Department of Homeland Security and the U.S. National Counterterrorism Center believe they “will likely remain attractive to aspiring attackers.”
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The Met Police said family liaison officers were supporting Pettifer’s family and helping them with the process of repatriating his body to the UK.
New Orleans Mayor LaToya Cantrell said at a news conference that the victims and their families “matter” to the entire city. “Our thoughts and prayers continue to go out to the families of the victims,” she said.
The New Orleans coroner said one of those killed remained unidentified, with the others from the United States, the youngest 18 and the oldest 63.
It appears the suspect acted alone. The FBI confirmed that an Islamic State flag was found inside the vehicle and that explosive devices were found nearby.
Law enforcement officials told the Associated Press news agency that Jabbar had bomb-making materials in his home when he was searched after the attack. He had booked the pickup rental on November 14, a few weeks before it took place.
Earlier this week, US President Joe Biden said the attacker had posted a video indicating he was inspired by the Islamic State.
Condemnation of the terrorist incident came from countries including Britain, France, Germany and Mexico.
British Prime Minister Keir Starmer said Wednesday: “The shockingly violent attack in New Orleans is horrific. My thoughts are with the victims, their families, the rescuers and the people of the United States during this tragic time. »
British Foreign Secretary David Lammy said consular officials in the United States were on hand to help any affected British nationals.
The New Orleans coroner’s office released the names of all but one of those killed in the attack.
They are: Drew Dauphin, 26, of Montgomery, Alabama; Kareem Badawi, 18, of Baton Rouge, Louisiana; Brandon Taylor, 43, of Harvey, Louisiana; Hubert Gauthreaux, 21, of Gretna, Louisiana; Matthew Tenedorio, 25, of Picayune, Mississippi; Nikyra Dedeaux, 18, of Gulfport, Mississippi; Nicole Perez, 27, of Metairie, Louisiana; Reggie Hunter, 37, of Prairieville, Louisiana; Martin “Tiger” Bech, 27, originally from Lafayette, Louisiana, and residing in New York; Terrence Kennedy, 63, of New Orleans; Elliot Wilkinson, 40, of Slidell, Louisiana; William DiMaio, 25, of Holmdel, New Jersey.
