The New Orleans coroner gave Mr Pettifer’s preliminary cause of death as “blunt force injuries” suffered on Bourbon Street, PA reports.

In a statement, Mr Pettifer’s family said: “The entire family are devastated at the tragic news of Ed’s death in New Orleans. He was a wonderful son, brother, grandson, nephew and a friend to so many.

“We will all miss him terribly. Our thoughts are with the other families who have lost their family members due to this terrible attack. We request that we can grieve the loss of Ed as a family in private. Thank you.”

A well-known American college football player, a young aspiring nurse and a mother of a four-year-old are also among the victims.

Their names were released by families and relatives before the authorities in the US completed post-mortem examinations.

The attack is believed to have been carried out by a 42-year-old Texas resident and US Army veteran.

After driving the truck through the crowds the suspect is said to have got out and fired a weapon before being shot dead by police.

The FBI says an Islamic State group flag was found inside the vehicle.

Two improvised explosive devices were also found nearby, according to police.