King Charles is deeply saddened after a British man died in a vehicle attack in New Orleans on New Year’s Day, according to Buckingham Palace sources.
The king has been in touch with the family of Edward Pettifer, 31, who was killed by “blunt force injuries” when a pickup truck rammed into a crowd of New Year’s Eve revellers in Bourbon Street, Louisiana, killing at least 14 and injuring at least 35.
Mr Pettifer, who was named by Metropolitan Police on Saturday morning, is believed to be the stepson of Prince William and Prince Harry’s former nanny, Alexandra Pettifer, who was known as Tiggy.
The 31-year-old’s family described him as a “wonderful son, brother, grandson, nephew and friend to so many”.
The statement added: “The entire family are devastated at the tragic news of Ed‘s death in New Orleans. We will all miss him terribly. Our thoughts are with the other families who have lost their family members due to this terrible attack.”
The New Orleans coroner said Mr Pettifer’s main cause of death was “blunt force injuries”. Family liaison officers from the Met Police are supporting Mr Pettifer’s family as his body is returned to the UK.
Authorities believe the New Year’s Day attack was carried out by 42-year-old US-born army veteran, Shamsud-Din Jabbar.
The FBI is investigating the incident as an “act of terrorism”. An ISIS flag, weapons and a potential improvised explosive device were found inside the pickup truck, the bureau added.
New Orleans Mayor LaToya Cantrell has announced a foundation has been set up to assist the victims, with the city taking “every necessary step to put even more safety procedures in place, especially given the nature of the investigation”.
More follows on this breaking news story…