Philadelphia College Grad Killed In New Orleans Terrorist Attack

CHESTNUT HILL, PHILADELPHIA — A Chestnut Hill College alumni and former lacrosse player was among those killed in the New Orleans terrorist attack early on New Year's morning.

Billy DiMaio, 25, of Holmdel, New Jersey, was killed in the attack, the college confirmed. DiMaio graduated from Chestnut Hill College in 2022, earning a Bachelor’s Degree in Business Administration & Management and a Master’s Degree in Organizational Leadership.

The college in a statement called the news devastating.

"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 a captain on our 2022 championship lacrosse team," the college said. "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."

DiMaio continued his lacrosse career at Chestnut Hill, playing as a Griffin from 2018-2022 and recording one assist, 27 groundballs and eight caused turnovers in his freshman season.

“Billy is the ‘juice’ for our team,” Head Coach Mike Terranova said during the team’s 2021 season. “While he is a great player, he affects our team even more so with his enthusiasm and energy…he has been his teammates' biggest supporter.”

During DiMaio’s sophomore year, he received All-Central Atlantic Collegiate Conference Second Team honors at the short-stick defensive midfielder position, and in his 2022 season, he served as team captain for the championship lacrosse team.

CBS obtained and reported a statement from the DiMaio family, which read:

Words cannot express the devastation our family is experiencing. Billy had a smile that could light up a room, and his laughter was truly infectious. His energetic personality inspired everyone around him. 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.

His parents, Bill and Tracie are heartbroken by this loss. Their love and dedication to Billy were unwavering, and they find solace in the many wonderful memories they shared with him. Our family stands together in this difficult time, honoring Billy's beautiful spirit and the incredible impact he had on all of us.

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DiMaio worked as an account executive with broadcasting company Audacy in New York.

"Beyond his professional achievements, Billy will be fondly remembered for his unwavering work ethic, positive attitude, and kindness," the company said in a statement. "He was a true asset to the Audacy team, and his contributions and presence will be deeply missed."

Holmdel High School Boys Lacrosse said in a statement posted on Facebook that its community had suffered an "unimaginable loss."

"Billy was a remarkable young man on and off the field. All of us in the Holmdel community are devastated by this sad news," the post reads. "Please keep the DiMaio family in your thoughts and prayers."

According to a report from Nola, he was visiting New Orleans to celebrate the new year and hang out with friends attending the Sugar Bowl.

At least 15 people were killed and dozens more were injured when a former Army sergeant from Texas drove a truck into a crowd on Bourbon Street in New Orleans just after midnight.

The FBI is investigating the attack as an act of terrorism.

The driver was Shamsud-Din Jabbar, 42, a U.S. citizen from Texas, the agency said.

An ISIS flag was found inside the truck, and investigators say they are working to determine if he worked alone and to confirm any outside allegiances.