‘My Miracle Baby’: Parents Of New Orleans Attack Victim Recall Final Moments With Son, Break Down In Tears

Parents of 25-year-old Matthew Tenedorio, one of the many people killed in the New Orleans terrorist attack, recalled Thursday on CNN the final moments they had with their son before appearing to break down.

Early Wednesday morning, authorities said that 42-year-old Shamsud-Din Jabbar plowed his car into New Year’s celebrations on Bourbon Street, killing at least 14 people and injuring dozens. On “Erin Burnett OutFront,” Lou and Cathy Tenedorio told CNN host Erin Burnett how the couple had warned their son about going into the area, but he reassured them not to worry before hugging them for the last time.

“We just were able to tell each other we love each other, you know, ‘I love you, Happy New Year. Text me when you get home,’” Cathy said. “‘Please don’t forget we’re going to be worried about you’ and, you know, ‘Why don’t you just stay local here on the north shore of the area instead of going to New Orleans?’

Lou then jumped in.

“And I said, ‘Son, please don’t go. It’s dangerous over there. It’s not the way it used to be. There’s a lot of crime. Please stay here,’” Lou said.

“He’s like, ‘Don’t worry about it, Dad. I love you.’ And we hugged, and he left.”

Cathy went on to say how she had eventually woken up and began to worry about Matthew. She then texted her eldest son who relayed that Matthew’s car was not back at the house.

“I finally spoke with his friend and said, ‘Ms. Cathy, I’m so sorry to tell you this. Something terrible happened last night. We were a witness to everything. We were walking down Bourbon Street,’” Cathy said. “‘It just unfolded in front . We all got separated. We went into one bar, you know, one of the friends, the other friend, two blocks down into another bar. We can’t find Matthew.’”