Prince William expressed shock and sadness on Saturday at the news of the death of his former nanny’s stepson in a New Year’s truck attack in New Orleans which killed 14 people.
London’s Metropolitan Police confirmed on Saturday that it was supporting the family of 31-year-old Edward Pettifer, including helping to bring his body back to the UK. Pettifer, who is from west London, is the latest victim to be identified.
In a statement on social media, the Prince of Wales said he and his wife Catherine were “shocked and saddened by the tragic death of Ed Pettifer. Our thoughts and prayers remain with the Pettifer family and all those innocent people tragically affected by this horrific attack.”
Pettifer was the stepson of Tiggy Legge-Bourke, who was nanny to both William and his brother Prince Harry between 1993 and 1999, which included the time following the death of their mother Princess Diana in 1997. Legge-Bourke, who is also known as Alexandra Pettifer, was regularly photographed with Diana.
British media also reported that King Charles III was reportedly deeply saddened by the news and sent his condolences to Pettifer’s family.
What we know about the New Orleans truck attack suspect
In a statement, Pettifer’s family said they were “devastated by the tragic news of Ed’s death” and described him as a “wonderful son, brother, grandson, nephew and friend to many.”
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“We will all miss him terribly. Our thoughts are with the other families who have lost family members to this terrible attack,” the family added.
The UK Foreign Office also said it was supporting Pettifer’s family and was in contact with US authorities.
Authorities say 14 people were killed and about 30 injured in the attack early Wednesday by Shamsud-Din Jabbar, a former soldier who posted several videos on his Facebook hours before the attack showing the violence he was about to unleash and declaring its support for Islam State militant group. The coroner’s office listed the cause of death for all 14 victims as “blunt injuries”.
Jabbar, 42, was killed in a shootout with police at the scene of the fatal crash on Bourbon Street, known worldwide for its festive atmosphere in New Orleans’ historic French Quarter.
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