Billy DiMaio, a 25-year-old former lacrosse captain who embodied the spirit of Chestnut Hill College through his leadership on and off the field, was among those killed when a truck plowed through crowds on Bourbon Street in New Orleans on New Year's Day. DiMaio was visiting the city with friends to celebrate the holiday and attend the Sugar Bowl.

The Long Island native, who later moved with his family to Holmdel, New Jersey, graduated from Chestnut Hill College in 2022 with a master's degree in business administration and management. Since 2023, he had been working as an account executive at Audacy, where colleagues remembered him for his unwavering work ethic and positive attitude.

Chestnut Hill College released a statement following DiMaio's death, saying, "We are devastated by the news of the passing of our alumnus Billy DiMaio '22. Billy was a leader within our community who shined not only as a star student in the classroom but also as a top athlete, serving as a captain on our 2022 championship lacrosse team. Our prayers are with the entire DiMaio family at this tragic hour, as our entire college reflects upon the positive impact he had upon so many in our close community."

DiMaio was known for being humble and gentle-hearted. His parents, Tracie and Bill DiMaio of Holmdel, New Jersey, told NOLA.com that DiMaio was so devoted to his family that he had a tattoo featuring all of his cousins' names.

"He was a good, humble kid," Bill DiMaio said. "He loved life."

"He was a pure, gentle-hearted soul," his mother said. "He will be truly missed."

As a midfielder for the Chestnut Hill College lacrosse team, DiMaio left an indelible mark on the program. According to the team's social media, "Billy played the game with great passion, which was felt by everyone who shared the field with him. He brought a genuine love for lacrosse and an infectious energy with him everywhere he played from Long Island, to Holmdel, to Chestnut Hill. The impact he had on our program was profound, but pales in comparison to the unforgettable impression he made on everyone who knew him. Billy was the epitome of what it meant to be a Griffin lacrosse player. He gave his whole heart, effort and dedication in all of his endeavors at Chestnut Hill College and beyond. We will miss him terribly."

"Beyond his professional achievements, Billy will be fondly remembered for his unwavering work ethic, positive attitude, and kindness," Audacy said in an emailed statement. "He was a true asset to the Audacy team, and his contributions and presence will be deeply missed."

DiMaio's friends who were with him in New Orleans were uninjured in the attack.