Crime
Elle Eisele and Steele Idelson injured in New Orleans car-ramming attack
The driver of a pickup truck, identified as 42-year-old Shamsud-Din Jabbar, deliberately plowed into crowds, killing 15 people and injuring dozens.
Two college students have been identified as among the injured in the New Orleans car-ramming attack on New Year’s Day, which left 15 people dead and dozens more wounded.
The Canterbury School in Fort Myers, Florida, confirmed that the two young women, Elle Eisele and Steele Idelson, both graduated from the school in 2023.
The families of Eisele and Idelson released a joint statement expressing their gratitude for the support they have received in the wake of the tragedy:
“The Eisele and Idelson families are deeply grateful for the outpouring of thoughts, prayers, and offers of support for our daughters following the tragic attack in New Orleans. We are especially thankful for the exceptional care and compassion they are receiving at University Medical Center.
“We also extend our heartfelt gratitude to the first responders, whose swift actions may have saved our daughters’ lives. To everyone who has reached out with love and support, we thank you from the bottom of our hearts.”
While details about the extent of their injuries have not been disclosed, both young women are reportedly receiving treatment at University Medical Center in New Orleans, which has been at the forefront of providing care for victims of the attack.
The New Orleans terror attack occurred early on January 1, 2025, during New Year’s and Sugar Bowl celebrations on Bourbon Street.
The driver of a pickup truck, identified as 42-year-old Shamsud-Din Jabbar, deliberately plowed into crowds, killing 15 people and injuring dozens. Jabbar then exited the vehicle and opened fire on police before being fatally shot.
Investigators later discovered an ISIS flag and potential explosive devices inside the vehicle.
The attack has drawn national and international attention, with the FBI leading the investigation and authorities working to uncover possible accomplices.
The Canterbury School has expressed solidarity with the Eisele and Idelson families. In a statement shared with the school community, officials said:
“Our hearts are with Elle, Steele, their families, and all those impacted by this senseless tragedy. We are committed to supporting them in every way possible as they navigate this difficult time.”
The broader Fort Myers community has rallied around the families, with many offering support and organizing efforts to aid in their recovery.
The Eisele and Idelson families have requested privacy as their daughters focus on healing but have expressed deep appreciation for the compassion and care shown to them.
Community members are encouraged to keep the victims and their families in their thoughts and prayers during this challenging time.
This tragedy underscores the resilience of the victims and their families and highlights the critical work of first responders and medical teams in the wake of such events.
Crime
4 Killed in Eden Crash at Carroll and Church Streets, Driver and Victims Identified
Michael Vernon, driver of dump truck involved charged.
A tragic crash in Eden, North Carolina, has left four people dead and several others injured following a multi-vehicle incident involving a dump truck and a utility work crew.
The Eden Police Department confirmed the incident occurred Thursday afternoon at approximately 1:30 p.m. at the intersection of Church Street, Carroll Street, and Park Road.
According to a news release from the North Carolina State Highway Patrol (NCSHP), 66-year-old Michael Ray Vernon of Eden was operating a 2016 Hino dump truck owned by the City of Eden.
While traveling northbound on Carroll Street, Vernon failed to stop at a posted stop sign at the intersection with Church Street.
The dump truck proceeded through the intersection, striking six pedestrians—utility workers contracted through Carolina Power and Signalization—who were performing powerline work in the area.
The dump truck continued traveling north after striking the pedestrians, colliding with an occupied bucket truck before veering off the road and crashing into a ditch.
Emergency responders from multiple agencies arrived at the scene within minutes. Four of the six pedestrians were pronounced dead at the scene.
The deceased have been identified as:
- Douglas Garland Sides, 72, of Summerfield
- Madison Carter, 42, of Sandy Ridge
- William Evans, 35, of Randleman
- Matthew Lockwood, 30, of Winston-Salem
The two surviving pedestrians sustained life-threatening injuries and were airlifted to medical facilities.
They have been identified as:
- Hunter Carter, 24, of Reidsville – transported to Atrium Health Wake Forest Baptist Hospital in critical condition
- Kevin Alexander, 34, of Eden – airlifted in stable condition
Cody Rich, 31, of Reidsville, who was inside the bucket truck at the time of the crash, was transported by ground to UNC Health Rockingham with non-life-threatening injuries.
Michael Vernon sustained minor injuries and was taken to a local hospital for treatment.
He has been charged with a stop sign violation and misdemeanor death by motor vehicle.
Investigators confirmed that impairment is not believed to have played a role in the crash.
Further charges may be considered as the investigation progresses.
The intersection remained closed for several hours as law enforcement officers and emergency crews conducted their investigation.
The area was reopened to traffic at approximately 10:30 p.m.
In a statement, Duke Energy, which works in coordination with Carolina Power and Signalization, expressed condolences:
“We are saddened about the tragic event that happened today, and our hearts go out to the families and teammates of those involved. The safety of our employees, contractors, and customers is the highest priority at Duke Energy. We are working closely with law enforcement officials.”
The NCSHP continues to lead the investigation, and anyone with additional information is encouraged to contact local authorities.