Former Princeton Football Star Tiger Bech Killed in New Orleans Terror Attack

NEW ORLEANS, LA. (THECOUNT) — Martin “Tiger” Bech, a former Princeton football standout, was among the victims of the deadly New Orleans attack on January 1, confirmed by his brother Jack Bech on social media and their mother, Michelle Bech, to ABC News.

Tiger, 28, was in Louisiana enjoying a weekend of hunting and fishing with college friends when the tragedy struck. He was set to return to New York City, where he worked as a trader at Seaport Global, after the holiday festivities.

Jack Bech, a notable receiver for TCU Horned Frogs, mourned his brother in a heartfelt post on X, saying, “Love you always brother. You inspired me (every day) now you get to be with me in every moment. I got this family T, don’t worry. This is for us.”

Michelle Bech described her son as someone who “lived life to the fullest” and was “on top of the world.” Tiger had been an All-Ivy League performer at Princeton from 2016-18, where he left a lasting impact, as noted by his coach Bob Surace. “He was a Tiger in every way,” Surace remarked, highlighting Tiger’s competitive spirit and caring nature.

Before his college career, Tiger made a name for himself at St. Thomas More High School in Lafayette, LA, where he was remembered as “special” by school principal Marty Cannon.

In the wake of his passing, a GoFundMe campaign has been set up in Tiger’s honor, raising over $79,000, celebrating him as an “incredible young man.”

The New Orleans attack claimed at least 15 lives, with the perpetrator identified as 42-year-old Shamsud-Din Jabbar, a U.S. citizen from Texas. The FBI discovered an apparent ISIS flag in the Ford truck Jabbar used to drive through crowds celebrating the New Year on Bourbon Street, escalating concerns over the motives behind this horrific act.

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