Crime
43-year-old Brandon Taylor killed in New Orleans terror attack
New Orleans, LA – Brandon Taylor, a 43-year-old cook from Terrytown with a passion for rap music, was one of the 14 people tragically killed in the Bourbon Street terror attack early Wednesday morning.
Known for his quiet demeanor and deep love for music, Taylor was engaged to 38-year-old Heather Genusa, who was by his side during the horrific event.
The couple had been enjoying a night out in the French Quarter, spending time in a Bourbon Street club before the attack occurred. According to Genusa, Taylor stepped outside and was standing near a boom lift parked in the 300 block of Bourbon Street when a speeding pickup truck crashed into him.
“No one should ever have to die like that. He didn’t deserve it,” said Genusa, her voice filled with emotion.
Taylor’s 75-year-old mother, Mary Guerrera, described her son as a Christian man with a deep love for music and a kind heart.
“It’s been very difficult,” Guerrera said on Friday. “I’m pretty devastated, and I’m just trying to get through this.”
Taylor, born and raised in Marrero, was the youngest of Guerrera’s two sons and a graduate of John Ehret High School.
“He was my entire life,” said Genusa. “Brandon was my everything, and I lost it all.”
The night turned deadly just after 3:15 a.m. when the white pickup truck, driven by the suspected terrorist, sped into the crowded street. Genusa recalled narrowly dodging the truck herself, only to witness the unimaginable.
“The truck ran into the crane, and I’m pretty sure Brandon was right before the crane. He was the very last victim to be hit,” she said, her voice breaking.
When she reached Taylor, his body was draped over the front of the truck. His legs were broken, and he was struggling to breathe.
Genusa moved him to the ground and attempted rescue breathing, holding on to hope.
“I prayed over [Brandon], and I told him to never give up, to keep fighting the entire time,” she said.
Medical personnel arrived after what felt like an eternity, and Taylor was transported by ambulance. Genusa never saw him again.
Taylor’s passion for music was evident throughout his life. He enjoyed rapping and attending concerts, earning the nickname “Lazy” in his musical endeavors, according to Genusa.
O’Kieth Gibson, Taylor’s best friend since childhood, remembered him as a man deeply connected to music, whether he was performing or simply enjoying it.
Taylor’s death leaves a void in the lives of his family and friends, particularly Genusa, who described him as her world.
Authorities are continuing their investigation into the attack, which claimed 14 lives and injured several others. The driver of the truck, who also shot and wounded two New Orleans police officers, was killed by law enforcement at the scene.
The loss of Brandon Taylor is a profound reminder of the tragedy that unfolded on Bourbon Street and its impact on the lives of so many. His family and loved ones are now left to mourn a life taken far too soon.
Crime
Saylor Graham, 7, Fights to Recover After Silver Rail Elementary School Shooting as Teacher Becky Drury Faces Long Recovery
BEND, Oregon — Seven-year-old Saylor Graham is recovering from life-threatening injuries after being shot at Silver Rail Elementary School in Bend, Oregon, on October 15, 2026. Meanwhile, 54-year-old teacher Becky Drury is beginning a lengthy recovery after suffering gunshot wounds to her left arm and right hand during the deadly school shooting.
The latest updates from the two families offer a glimpse of the difficult road ahead for survivors of a tragedy that claimed the lives of three children and a teacher, leaving families, classmates, and the wider Bend community grieving.
Saylor Graham, described by her family as a loving, feisty girl with a strong determination to thrive, was shot in the jaw during the shooting, according to the information shared by her family and supporters. She was airlifted from Bend for medical treatment.
Her family says the 7-year-old has already faced numerous medical challenges throughout her young life. Now, she is confronting another devastating ordeal, with her parents remaining by her side as she receives treatment and begins the recovery process.
Updates shared about Saylor’s condition have differed. An earlier account described her as being in critical condition, while a later update reported that she was in serious but stable condition. Her latest status should be confirmed with her family or an official source before publication.
For Saylor’s parents, the emotional strain is accompanied by significant financial uncertainty. Both parents are self-employed, and the demands of remaining at the hospital have sharply limited their ability to work. They must also manage medical expenses, transportation, lodging, household bills, and the needs of their other child.
A GoFundMe fundraiser has been organized to help Saylor’s family manage the financial pressures arising from her injuries and ongoing treatment.
The fundraiser describes Saylor as a daughter, sister, and niece whose determination has carried her through numerous medical challenges. It explains that the family is facing uncertainty as they remain close to her during recovery.
The appeal states that donations will help cover hospital bills, time away from work, lodging, transportation, and other urgent family expenses.
The fundraiser also asks supporters to keep Saylor and her loved ones in their thoughts and prayers, emphasizing that every contribution and act of kindness can make a difference during this difficult time.
Readers who wish to support Saylor’s recovery can find the fundraiser through the link shared by her family or the original organizer. The campaign details and donation link should be verified before being shared.
Becky Drury, 54, a teacher at Silver Rail Elementary School, was also wounded in the shooting. She suffered gunshot injuries to her left arm and right hand and has undergone surgery.
Her husband, Will, shared a hopeful update, saying the operation went well. However, the injuries to her left arm were extensive, and she is expected to require additional procedures and a prolonged recovery.
Despite the difficult road ahead, her husband’s message offered a moment of relief amid the grief surrounding the shooting.
“The good news is she will be ok and we all get to keep that magnificent woman we love so much in our lives,” he said.
His words reflect the gratitude of a family facing a frightening and uncertain recovery while knowing that Becky survived.
The shooting at Silver Rail Elementary School left three children and one teacher dead, according to the information provided in reports about the incident.
Five-year-old Rhoam Summer has been publicly identified among the children killed. Megan Lambert, 25, a teacher also known as “Coach Megan,” was identified as the adult victim. Two other children, ages 8 and 11, were also killed.
Their deaths have left four families facing an unimaginable loss. While Saylor and Becky continue their recoveries, the families of those who died are beginning a different and heartbreaking journey of grief.
The contrast between the survivors’ fight to recover and the families’ permanent loss has become one of the most painful realities of the tragedy.
For Saylor’s family, every update about her condition carries enormous significance. Her parents are navigating the uncertainty of their daughter’s recovery while trying to remain present for her and care for their family.
For Becky Drury’s loved ones, the successful surgery has brought relief, even as further treatment and rehabilitation lie ahead.
Their stories do not erase the devastating loss experienced by the families of the victims. Instead, they highlight the many ways the shooting has changed lives and the long road that survivors and loved ones must now face.
As Bend mourns the children and teacher who did not return home, the community continues to hope for Saylor’s recovery and for Becky to regain her health.
Saylor Graham and Becky Drury are among those still fighting their way forward after the Silver Rail Elementary School shooting. Their families are asking for support, compassion, and privacy as they face the difficult days ahead.