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More than 1,100 donations have poured into a GoFundMe campaign established on behalf of the family of the 25-year-old Long Island native killed in a New Year’s Day terror attack in New Orleans’ French Quarter.
The fundraising effort, which surpassed $63,000 as of Monday morning, includes such notable contributions as $2,000 from NBA player Larry Nance Jr. and $1,000 from NBA Commissioner Adam Silver.
“Cathy and Lou, your friends on Long Island share your sadness at the loss of Matthew. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family today,” David and Barbara Sloane of Glen Cove wrote on the GoFundMe page, addressing Tenedorio’s parents.
Click here to learn more on how to donate to the GoFundMe page for Matthew Tenedorio’s family.
Tenedorio, an audiovisual technician at the Superdome in New Orleans, was among 15 people killed when a pickup truck intentionally plowed into a crowd at the intersection of Canal and Bourbon streets about 3:15 a.m. Gunfire erupted moments later between police and the driver, identified by the FBI as 42-year-old Shamsud-Din Jabbar of Texas. Tenedorio died from a gunshot wound.
Celebration of Matt’s life, Jan. 11
Tenedorio’s parents, Louis and Cathy, and two older brothers have shared heartfelt memories of their kind-spirited son in interviews with national media. His cousin, Christina Bounds, described how, in his final moments, Tenedorio instinctively moved toward the chaos to help others.
“Matthew kept walking toward the commotion, probably thinking he could help,” Bounds told Greater Long Island.
A “Celebration of Life” service for Tenedorio has been scheduled for 4 p.m. on Jan. 11 at the Audubon Funeral Home in Slidell, Louisiana, where he lived after moving with his parents and two older brothers from Huntington when he was 4 years old.
The Long Island native was known for his love of skateboarding and for donating his long hair to Locks of Love, a nonprofit that provides hairpieces to children suffering from medical hair loss.
“He was a bright light,” Bounds said. “He was really kind, always smiling — literally lighting up the room. He gave everybody these huge hugs. He was just a special guy. He loved to have a good time and make people laugh.”
New Orleans Saints and Pelicans remember Long Island native
“Matthew was youg, talented, and had a bright future, helping deliver quality content for both the New Orleans Saints and Pelicans,” the NFL and NBA teams posted on Instagram. “Our thoughts, prayers, and deepest condolences are with the Tenedorio family and everyone affected by this senseless act of terrorism.”
New York Gov. Kathy Hochul also expressed condolences to the Tenedorio’s family, after it was confirmed that the native New Yorker was among the victims.
Top photo: A “Celebration of Life” memorial service is scheduled for Matthew Tenedorio on Jan. 11 in Louisiana (provided by family).
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