Holmdel Resident ID’d As Victim Of New Orleans Attack: Report

HOLMDEL, NJ — A Holmdel resident has been identified as one of the people killed on New Year’s Day in New Orleans when a man allegedly drove through a crowd on Bourbon Street, according to a report from Nola, a New Orleans-based publication.

Billy DiMaio, 25, was one of the 14 people killed when a driver allegedly plunged through a crowd and shot at officers Wednesday morning, the report said.

DiMaio was an account executive with Audacy Inc. and the oldest of three children. Though DiMaio grew up on Long Island, he later moved to Holmdel and played lacrosse at Holmdel High School.

DiMaio’s parents told Nola that he “never sat still,” whether that meant playing lacrosse, running marathons, or lending a helping hand.

"He was a good, humble kid," Bill DiMaio, his father, told Nola. "He loved life."

Following graduation from Holmdel High School, DiMaio attended Chesnut Hill College in Philadelphia where he received a Bachelor’s Degree in Business Administration & Management and a Master’s Degree in Organizational Leadership.

He continued to play lacrosse at Chesnut Hill and played in the midfield position. After graduating from college in 2022, DiMaio worked as a planning associate at Openmind before beginning his role at Audacy, Inc.

In a statement posted on LinkedIn, Audacy mourned the passing of DiMaio.

“We are heartbroken to learn of the passing of Billy DiMaio, a New York-based Account Executive, in a terrorist attack in New Orleans,” the statement read. “Beyond his professional achievements, Billy will be fondly remembered for his unwavering work ethic, positive attitude and kindness.”

“He was a true asset to the Audacy team, and his contributions and presence will be deeply missed,” the statement continues. “Our thoughts are with Billy’s family and friends during this exceedingly difficult time, and we extend our deepest sympathies to them and every member of the Audacy family who had the privilege of working with him.”

DiMaio is among the multiple injuries and fatalities that resulted from the New Year's Day incident.

Princeton football player Martin "Tiger" Bech, 27, was among those killed on Wednesday as well. Bech played for the Princeton Tigers from 2016-2018.

"There was no more appropriate nickname of a Princeton player I coached," Head Coach of Princeton Football Bob Surace said. "He was a 'Tiger' in every way - a ferocious competitor with endless energy, a beloved teammate and a caring friend."

The driver involved in the incident, Shamsud-Din Jabbar, 42, was accused of driving a rented Ford F-150 pickup truck through the crowd before crashing it and shooting at officers. The officers shot back and hit Jabbar, who was pronounced dead at the scene, authorities said.

Thirty-five people were injured in the attack, which authorities said was premeditated.

To read the full story from Nola, you can click here.

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