Brandon Taylor Obituary and Death: Beloved 43-Year-Old Cook, Music Enthusiast, and Fiancé Among 14 Killed in Bourbon Street Terror Attack – GoFundMe Established to Support Family Brandon Taylor, a 43-year-old cook from Terrytown, Louisiana, with a lifelong passion for rap music, tragically lost his life in the Bourbon Street terror attack early Wednesday morning

Brandon Taylor Obituary and Death: Beloved 43-Year-Old Cook, Music Enthusiast, and Fiancé Among 14 Killed in Bourbon Street Terror Attack – GoFundMe Established to Support Family

Brandon Taylor, a 43-year-old cook from Terrytown, Louisiana, with a lifelong passion for rap music, tragically lost his life in the Bourbon Street terror attack early Wednesday morning. Taylor was one of 14 victims killed in a horrifying event that has shaken the New Orleans community to its core.

Brandon, known for his quiet demeanor and profound love for music, was spending a joyful evening with his fiancée, 38-year-old Heather Genusa, when the unthinkable occurred. The couple had been enjoying a night out in the vibrant French Quarter, sharing time in a Bourbon Street club before the attack unfolded.

Heather recalls Brandon stepping outside moments before the tragedy struck. He stood near a parked boom lift in the 300 block of Bourbon Street when a speeding white pickup truck, driven by the suspected terrorist, barreled into the crowded area, taking Taylor’s life and leaving devastation in its wake.

A Heartbreaking Goodbye

“No one should ever have to die like that. He didn’t deserve it,” Heather Genusa tearfully shared, her voice breaking as she recounted the night’s events. The love and bond she shared with Brandon were evident as she described the man she called her everything.

“He was my entire life,” Heather said. “Brandon was my everything, and I lost it all.”

The attack occurred just after 3:15 a.m., turning a night of joy into a scene of chaos and sorrow. Heather narrowly dodged the speeding truck herself, only to witness the unimaginable as Brandon was struck moments before the vehicle collided with the crane.

“The truck ran into the crane, and I’m pretty sure Brandon was right before the crane. He was the very last victim to be hit,” Heather recalled.

When she reached him, Brandon’s body was draped over the front of the truck. His legs were broken, and he was struggling to breathe. Heather moved him to the ground and attempted rescue breathing, clinging to hope as she prayed over him.

“I prayed over [Brandon], and I told him to never give up, to keep fighting the entire time,” she said.

Emergency responders arrived after what felt like an eternity to Heather, and Brandon was rushed to the hospital by ambulance. Tragically, she never saw him alive again.

A Life Full of Passion and Kindness

Brandon’s love for music was a defining aspect of his life. A talented rapper and avid concertgoer, he was affectionately nicknamed “Lazy” in his musical circles. His best friend since childhood, O’Kieth Gibson, shared fond memories of their shared passion for music and the deep connection they had maintained over the years.

“Brandon lived and breathed music,” Gibson said. “Whether he was rapping, writing lyrics, or enjoying a show, it was who he was.”

Heather echoed these sentiments, remembering how music brought Brandon joy and purpose. “Music was his outlet, his passion. It was a big part of who he was,” she said.

Born and raised in Marrero, Brandon was the youngest of two sons to his mother, 75-year-old Mary Guerrera. A graduate of John Ehret High School, he was described by his mother as a kind and gentle soul who carried his faith with him throughout his life.

“He was my baby,” Mary said. “He was my entire life, and I don’t know how to go on without him.”

Brandon’s death has left an unfillable void in the lives of his family and friends, particularly Heather, who called him her world.

GoFundMe Campaign to Support Brandon’s Family

In the wake of this tragic loss, a GoFundMe campaign has been established to support Brandon’s family with funeral expenses and to honor his memory. The funds will also assist Heather and Mary as they navigate the difficult path ahead without their beloved Brandon.

The campaign has seen an outpouring of love and support from friends, neighbors, and strangers alike, reflecting the deep impact Brandon had on those who knew him.

A Community in Mourning

The terror attack, which claimed 14 lives and left several others injured, has sent shockwaves through the New Orleans community. The driver of the pickup truck, who also shot and wounded two police officers during the attack, was fatally shot by law enforcement at the scene.

Local officials have described the incident as a senseless act of violence that has left an indelible mark on the city. Vigils and memorials have been held in honor of the victims, bringing the community together in grief and solidarity.

The Wilkinson family, who lost Brandon, has expressed their gratitude for the support and prayers they have received but emphasized the profound pain they feel in the wake of this tragedy.

Remembering Brandon Taylor

Brandon Taylor’s legacy lives on in the memories of those who loved him. His family and friends remember him as a kind-hearted man with a deep love for music, a passion for life, and a quiet strength that inspired those around him.

Heather, who had been planning a future with Brandon, shared her hope that his life would be celebrated and his memory cherished. “He was a beautiful soul. He deserved so much more time,” she said.

As New Orleans mourns the loss of Brandon and the other victims of the Bourbon Street terror attack, the focus remains on honoring their lives and seeking justice. Investigations into the attack continue, with authorities urging anyone with information to come forward.

A Call for Resilience and Unity

The Bourbon Street tragedy has united the New Orleans community in mourning and determination. Advocacy groups, religious leaders, and local organizations have stepped forward to offer support and resources to the victims’ families, including counseling services and financial assistance.

For Heather and Mary, the journey ahead will be challenging, but they find solace in the love and support of their community and the cherished memories of Brandon’s life.

“We’ll never forget him,” Mary said. “He will always be in our hearts.”

For those wishing to contribute, the GoFundMe campaign for Brandon Taylor remains active, with all proceeds going directly to his family to help ease the burden of this unimaginable loss.

As the investigation unfolds and the city seeks to heal, the memory of Brandon Taylor and the other victims will serve as a reminder of the resilience and strength of the human spirit in the face of tragedy.