American family heartbroken as father and 11-year-old son are among fatalities
AN American father and son are among those killed in the terror attack in Nice.
At least 84 people, including around a dozen children, died when a terrorist drove a truck through crowds celebrating Bastille Day in the coastal city.
Sean Copeland, 51, and his 11-year-old son Brodie from Texas were on holiday when the atrocity took place.
In a statement, the Copeland family said: “We are heartbroken and in shock over the loss of Brodie Copeland, an amazing son and brother who lit up our lives, and Sean Copeland, a wonderful husband and father. They are so loved.”
Hill Country Baseball, a local sports club, wrote on Facebook: “This evening we would like to ask that the HC family keep the Copelands in your prayers.
“This afternoon our very own Brodie Copeland, as well as his father Sean Copeland, were killed during the terrorist attack in Nice, France.
“This photo was sent to me earlier today from the French Riviera ... Nobody deserves this type of fate, especially not such a wonderful family. You are in our hearts, thoughts, and prayers. Rest in peace, Brodie and Sean, you will be remembered by many.”
The post was accompanied by a photo of a young boy at a beach.
Another person believed to be a victim is a Russian, named in reports as 21-year-old student Victoria Savchenko.
According to L’Express newspaper, the first victim to die was a Muslim mother of seven who wore a veil. Fatima Charrihi’s son Hamza said she was with nieces and nephews when she was killed, and that his brother had tried to revive her but she had died instantly.
He said: “She wore the veil, practising an Islam of the middle ground. A real Islam. Not that of the terrorists.”
’Express published a photo of her residence permit. Another French victim was Robert Marchand, 60, an industrial supervisor from Marcigny, France, a parent and a coach.