LSU gymnastics star Livvy Dunne and her boyfriend, Pittsburgh Pirates pitcher Paul Skenes, were in high spirits as they celebrated a successful 2024 together. Dunne played a pivotal role in helping LSU win the NCAA Women’s Gymnastics Championship in April, while Skenes was named the National League Rookie of the Year following an impressive debut season.
Before Dunne returned to Baton Rouge for her fifth and final season with the Tigers gymnastics team, the couple decided to ring in the new year in New Orleans. Joining them for the festivities were Pirates pitcher Bubba Chandler and his girlfriend, Allie Enright.
A Festive Night in New Orleans
Dunne, 22, shared a selfie on her Instagram Stories as the group prepared for their night out in the vibrant streets of New Orleans. The foursome appeared to enjoy themselves at a local bar on New Year’s Eve, soaking in the city’s electric atmosphere.
However, the celebrations turned somber just hours later when tragedy struck nearby on Bourbon Street.
A Devastating Attack on Bourbon Street
In the early hours of New Year’s Day, a horrific attack unfolded in the heart of New Orleans. At approximately 3:15 a.m. CST, a man drove a truck into a crowd at the intersection of Bourbon and Canal streets, an area bustling with revelers.
According to WDSU 6, the attack claimed the lives of at least 15 people and left dozens more injured. The FBI identified the suspect as 42-year-old Shamsud-Din Jabbar, a U.S. citizen from Texas. After plowing into the crowd, Jabbar exited the vehicle and exchanged gunfire with law enforcement. He was pronounced dead at the scene.
In a statement, the FBI confirmed the incident was being investigated as an act of terrorism.
Dunne’s Heartfelt Reaction
In the aftermath of the tragedy, Dunne took to social media to express her heartbreak. She shared a photo from Bourbon Street, accompanied by a broken-heart emoji, capturing the sorrow and shock of the moment.
The attack also had a ripple effect on planned events in New Orleans. The Allstate Sugar Bowl, a college football playoff quarterfinal scheduled for Jan. 1 at the Caesars Superdome, was postponed. Notre Dame and the University of Georgia will now face off on Jan. 2 at 3 p.m. CST.
RELATED: Livvy Dunne Celebrates Graduation with MLB Star Paul Skenes in Glamorous NYC Outing
A Year of Triumph and Tragedy
The new year began with a mix of celebration and tragedy for Dunne and Skenes, who were part of two of 2024’s most memorable sports moments.
Dunne’s leadership helped propel LSU to their first NCAA gymnastics title, while Skenes’ stellar rookie campaign with the Pirates solidified his status as one of baseball’s brightest young talents.
While their achievements have brought joy to fans, the tragic events in New Orleans serve as a sobering reminder of life’s unpredictability.
As the city mourns and begins to heal, Dunne, Skenes, and countless others who were in the area will carry the weight of the night’s events as they move forward.
