Eagles Of Death Metal‘s merch seller is the first Briton confirmed dead in the Paris terror attacks.
At least 127 people are reported dead after a series of violent attacks in Paris overnight. Le Bataclan was among the worst hit, with 87 civilians killed during a shooting at an Eagles of Death Metal gig.
It has been confirmed that Nick Alexander, 36 from Essex, who previously toured with the likes of Fall Out Boy and Sum 41, passed away in the attack.
“It is with huge sorrow that we can confirm that our beloved Nick lost his life at the Bataclan last night,” Alexander’s family said in a statement. “Nick was not just our brother, son and uncle, he was everyone’s best friend – generous, funny and fiercely loyal.”
“Nick died doing the job he loved and we take great comfort in knowing how much he was cherished by his friends around the world. Thank you for your thoughts and respect for our family at this difficult time. Peace and light.”
Helen Wilson, 49 from New Orleans, who was with Alexander at the show told The Telegraph: “We heard a couple of noises outside and people started running into the club. We didn’t know what was going on. Then maybe five, six guys came in with machine guns and shotguns and just started shooting people. It was mayhem.”
She continued: “Nick was in front of me when we were lying on the ground and somebody moved and they just turned round and started shooting us.”
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“His back was to me and I couldn’t see what happened and I tried to keep him talking and then I tried to give him mouth-to-mouth resuscitation and they [the gunmen] were just sort of in the shadows and they would shoot if anyone said anything… I held him in my arms and told him I loved him. He was the love of my life.”
Fall Out Boy guitarist Joe Trohman paid tribute, writing on Twitter: “Just found out Nick Alexander was one of the people murdered last night in Paris. Great guy. I’m horrified.”
Here is Nick Alexander, a British man killed at the Bataclan last night. And a statement from his family. pic.twitter.com/OmzsXk7Eea
— Callum May (@callummay) November 14, 2015
Eagles of Death Metal are reportedly all safe though a statement released after the incident states that they are currently trying to determine the whereabouts of their crew.
French national stadium Stade de France was also targeted, with French police confirming two suicide attacks and one bombing. Elsewhere at least one man opened fire in a restaurant in the 11th district.
Musicians around the world reacted with horror to the attacks, including those who have friends in the city and others who have performed at the Bataclan venue over the years. Among the artists who have delivered messages are Taylor Swift, Pharrell Williams, Justin Bieber, Jared Leto, AC/DC, Sam Smith, Snoop Dogg, Justin Timberlake and more.
The likes of U2 and Foo Fighters have cancelled upcoming shows in Paris and elsewhere in Europe following the attacks.