By Sunayana Prabhu
HOLMDEL – The township will observe a moment of silence at 9 a.m. Jan. 10 to honor William “Billy” DiMaio, who was killed in a terror attack in New Orleans early New Year’s Day.
Condolence messages have been pouring in for the DiMaio family as the community grapples with the shocking death of the 25-year-old former Holmdel High lacrosse standout who was one of at least 14 people killed when a man drove a truck through the crowd on Bourbon Street.
According to Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) reports, in the early morning hours of Jan. 1, 42-year-old Shamsud-Din Jabbar drove a truck down Bourbon Street, leaving dozens injured and killing at least 14. Jabbar was killed in a shootout with police at the scene. The attack occurred during New Year’s celebrations in the city, which was scheduled to host the 2025 Sugar Bowl later that day. The game was moved to the next day.
Louisiana will also observe a state-wide moment of silence in DiMaio’s honor. Louisiana Gov. Jeff Landry has declared a period of mourning in the state and has ordered flags over state buildings be flown at half-staff Jan. 10 in remembrance of DiMaio. Each of the victims are being honored similarly on different days.
DiMaio graduated from Holmdel High School in 2017. The town’s public schools will be pausing in remembrance at 8 a.m. Jan. 10.
DiMaio worked as an account executive in New York City for Audacy, a multiplatform broadcasting company. In a statement, the company said, “We are heartbroken to learn of the passing of Billy DiMaio, a New York-based Account Executive, in the terrorist attack in New Orleans. Beyond his professional achievements, Billy will be fondly remembered for his unwavering work ethic, positive attitude, and kindness. He was a true asset to the Audacy team, and his contributions and presence will be deeply missed. Our thoughts are with Billy’s family and friends during this exceedingly difficult time, and we extend our deepest sympathies to them and every member of the Audacy family who had the privilege of working with him.”
During the Holmdel Township Committee’s Jan. 2 reorganization meeting, Mayor Brian Foster said the DiMaio family embodies “what this community is about. Their son, Billy, has been giving back to the lacrosse program since he graduated high school. He helped coach the youth program, and he helped with the all-season indoor high school team as well. The parents have been huge supporters of the lacrosse program for many, many years,” Foster said. “This is a huge loss for our community, and my thoughts and prayers go out to them.”
The article originally appeared in the January 9 – 15, 2025 print edition of The Two River Times.
