U.S. Sen. Katie Britt memorializes Alabamians killed in Louisiana terrorist attack
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Special to the News
U.S. Sen. Katie Britt (R-Ala.) released a statement January 2 honoring the memory of Drew Dauphin and Kareem Badawi, who were killed in the recent New Orleans terrorist attack:
“As our nation continues to mourn following the terrorist attack in New Orleans, we now know this act of evil stole two of Alabama’s own: Drew Dauphin, a native of Montgomery, and Kareem Badawi, a freshman at the University of Alabama.
“Drew Dauphin was a beloved son, brother and friend, a talented student-athlete at Alabama Christian Academy and a proud graduate of Auburn University. His parents were his role models. After speaking to his incredible mother, I know Drew was a light in the lives of all who knew him. Whether it was academics or wakeboarding with his brother, Matthew, he followed his passions with genuine zeal and unwavering dedication. He pursued his love for mathematics while earning an engineering degree from Auburn and then turned that pursuit into a profession at Honda. Drew was living his American Dream at age 26.
“Kareem Badawi was a devoted son and brother whose gregarious personality constantly brightened the day of those who had the privilege to know him. Kareem graduated from the Episcopal School in his native Baton Rouge, where he was an accomplished student-athlete. He was a freshman pursuing an engineering degree at the University of Alabama, and his father shared with me how much he loved to watch the Crimson Tide take the field. In his time in Tuscaloosa, Kareem had already cemented himself as an uplifting leader and kindhearted friend in the campus community.
“As a mom, I can’t even imagine the heartbreak Kareem and Drew’s loved ones are facing right now. No parent, sibling, or friend should ever have to endure this senseless sadness. My family will continue praying for Drew and Kareem’s families and all those affected by this attack. Alabamians rally around each other in the toughest of times, and I know the earnest thoughts of families in every corner of our state are with the Dauphins and Badawis.”
Drew Dauphin’s family has asked that the following statement be shared regarding the loss of their son:
“It’s unbelievable. Who should have to come up with words for this? Our family is suffering more than anyone can imagine. Drew lit up every room he entered. His smile was infectious. He had the best personality. We are such a tight family, dependent on each other, friends, family and neighbors. We cherish the 26 years that we had with him, and raising him will always be one of the greatest joys of our lives. Our family is numb and in shock through this horrific and senseless tragedy. Drew was happiest at Lake Martin with his little brother, Matthew. A close friend said it best, ‘Drew will always now be in the sun at the lake that he loved so much.’ We did not get to spend enough time with him and can’t believe we will never see him again this side of heaven.”