Faces of Paris: Stories of the lost.

We need to remember them.

It was a Friday night. People were out and about, dotting the streets of Paris, enjoying a mild Autumn evening. Some were at a rock concert, others were in restaurants sharing drinks with friends.

Now, those same bustling city streets are silenced.

As the hours pass since the Paris attacks, the identities of those tragically and mercilessly killed are being revealed. Many of them were young and they will all be missed.

Men and women, many in their twenties and thirties. Students, budding lawyers, journalists and emerging artists.

Here are some of their stories.

Valentin Ribet

Valentin Ribet was a 26-year-old lawyer, who had degrees from the London School of Economics and the Sorbonne. Specialising in white-collar crime cases, his firm, Hogan Lovells, says “He was a talented lawyer, extremely well liked and a wonderful personality in the office.”

Mr Ribet was killed at the Bataclan concert hall.

We asked the people of Sydney to tell us their favourite memories of Paris: (Post continues after the video) 

Nohemi Gonzalez

Nohemi Gonzalez, 23, was an American student from California State University who was in Paris on exchange. The university where Ms Gonzalez was due to spend the semester, the Strate School of Design, released a statement confirming her passing.

One of her university friends, Sandra Gorosko, 21, described Nohemi as, ‘one of the happiest and the most smiling people in the group’, adding that she was, “always super supportive and kind.”

Nick Alexander

Nick Alexander, 36, was a band merchandise manager who was murdered at the Bataclan concert hall.

His family released a statement following his death.

“It is with huge sorrow that we can confirm that our beloved Nick lost his life at the Bataclan last night. 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.”

You can read more of Nick Alexander’s story here.

Guillame Decherf

Guillame Decherf, 43, was a rock music writer for Les Inrocks magazine. He was killed at the Bataclan. He had two daughters.

Les Inrocks confirmed Decherf’s passing on their website, posting “Aujourd’hui, la rédaction des Inrockuptibles est en deuil,” which translates to ‘Today, we at Les Inrocks are in mourning’.

Lola Salines

Lola Salines was a professional roller derby player, and was also at the Bataclan when she died. She attended the concert with a friend, who is currently undergoing treatment in hospital for injuries she sustained during the attack.

Lola’s death was confirmed in a Facebook post by her father.

Thomas Ayad

Thomas Ayad, 32, was a producer and manager at Mercury Music Group and an avid hockey fan. Mr Ayad’s company issued a statement following his death:

“We have confirmed that Thomas Ayad, an international product manager for Mercury Records lost his life in the attack on the theater.  This is an unspeakably appalling tragedy.  I cannot even begin to express the depth of my sorrow.  On behalf of everyone here at UMG, we extend our most profound sympathies to his parents and all of his friends and family. “

Aurélie De Peretti

Aurélie De Peretti, 33, was a music fanatic. She played the guitar and piano, and adored living near the beach in the South of France. 

Of her sister’s death, Delphine, 35, said: “I must seem cold right now… But I just cannot believe that I just lost a part of myself.”

Mathieu Hoche

Mathieu Hoche, a technician at France24, a local news channel, was also killed at the concert. He was just 38 years old, and was the father of a six-year-old.

Mathieu’s friend, Antoine Rousseay, remembered him in a tweet, sharing how passionately the father-of-one loved rock ‘n’ roll.
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To pay respect to all those lost in the Paris attacks, the lights of the Eiffel tower were turned off over the weekend.

Our deepest condolences go out to all victims’ families and loved ones.

Read more about the Paris attacks:

• BREAKING: The first terrorist behind the Paris attacks has been named.
• Australian Emma Parkinson recovering after being shot in hip.
• Man plays ‘Imagine’ outside Bataclan theatre in moving Paris tribute.