Martin ‘Tiger’ Bech and Jack Bech Courtesy of Jack Bech/Instagram
The former Princeton football player Tiger Beech died in a deadly truck attack on New Orleans’ Bourbon Street in the early hours of New Year’s Day.
Tiger, 27, was one of at least 15 people killed on Wednesday, January 1, when a car hit a group of people celebrating the holiday on the famous boulevard.
During his three-year career at Princeton, from 2017 to 2019, Tiger was twice a second-team All-Ivy League kick returner and also caught 53 passes for 825 yards with three touchdowns.
Tiger is the brother of TCU’s star receiver Jack Bechwho remembered his late elder brother on social media after the attack.
“I will always love you, brother!” wrote Jack, 22, in X on Wednesday. “You inspire me every day, now you can be with me every moment. I have a T family, don’t worry. This is for us ❤️.”
Jack also posted about Tiger through his Instagram storycalling Tiger his “best friend” and “role model.”
Jack Bech Kyle Rivas/Getty Images
on a statement issued by his alma mater after the attack, Princeton Tigers head football coach, Bob Suracecalling his former player “a Tiger in every way.”
“A fierce competitor with endless energy, a beloved teammate and a loving friend,” Surace said. “Our last conversation was about how proud he was of the growth he showed during his time at Princeton and the success he had after graduating. My love goes out to the entire Bech family.”
Surace told ESPN that he texted Tiger and Jack’s father, Martinexchanging stories about their dead son.
“He was probably the first Tiger to play for us, and that nickname describes him as a competitor,” Surace said. “He is a man who somehow stands out in important moments and is full of energy, full of life.”
According to ESPN, Tiger works as a stockbroker in New York and was in New Orleans to celebrate the holidays.
“I’m just starting a successful career in the business world,” Surace said. “There are two or three times where we dedicate nights to racing, and you can call him a day in advance, and he will come and share his experiences as a young professional with our team.”
According to the New Orleans Police Department, at least 15 people died in the attack and dozens were injured. The FBI classified the incident as “an act of terrorism.”