New Orleans Pelican Star Zion Williamson Donates $100K to Victims of Bourbon Street Attack

Mar. 15, 2025

Zion Williamson.Photo:Jonathan Bachman/Getty

Jonathan Bachman/Getty

New Orleans Pelicans forward Zion Williamson donated $100,000 to support the victims of thedeadly terror attackin New Orleans on New Year’s Day.

On Friday, Jan. 3,ESPN’s Malika Andrews reportedthat Williamson, 24, donated $100,000 to the Greater New Orleans Foundation’s Tragedy Fund. The fund is “raising money to help the families of the victims and survivors start to heal and recover from this heartbreaking tragedy,” per the officialsite.

“As a father, son and someone who loves the community, this hit me hard. This isn’t just about money — but standing together and making sure no one feels alone," Williamson told ESPN.

The Pelicans shared Andrews' report on itsInstagram Stories. The team is scheduled to play in New Orleans against the Washington Wizards on Friday, Jan. 3.

“I’m devastated,” Pelicans head coach Willie Green told reporters hours after the attack, reports theAssociated Press. He described it as a “senseless act of violence” and said he discussed the attack with his players.

Zion Williamson on November 1, 2024 in New Orleans, Louisiana.Jeff Haynes/NBAE via Getty

Jeff Haynes/NBAE via Getty

Law enforcement officers from multiple agencies work the scene on Bourbon Street attack on January 1, 2025 in New Orleans, Louisiana.Michael DeMocker/Getty

Michael DeMocker/Getty

The Allstate Sugar Bowl at New Orleans’ Caesars Superdome was scheduled to be played on New Year’s Day, but was postponed until Thursday. Before kick-off, University of Georgia and Notre Dame players joined the crowd fora moment of silence for the victims of the attack.

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University of Georgia President Jere W. Morehead noted that one of the university’s students was also“critically injured”in the attack and was “receiving medical treatment.” Other victims of the attack includedNicole Perez, mom to a 4-year-old; Nikyra Cheyenne Dedeaux, an aspiring nurse; former Princeton football playerMartin “Tiger” Bech; and Reggie Hunter, a proud father, per theBBC.

source: people.com