Family members of former Princeton football player Martin “Tiger” Bech are mourning his tragic death following an attack in New Orleans on New Year’s Day. The incident resulted in the loss of at least 15 lives and left many others wounded when the suspected attacker drove into a crowd on Bourbon Street.
In an emotional interview, Tiger’s father, Martin, and his brother, Jack, who plays football at TCU, shared their sadness and reflections on their loss. Jack expressed the importance of forgiveness, saying, “You have to learn to forgive, but that doesn’t mean you forget.” He spoke about the suspect, noting that he seemed determined to harm others regardless of method.
Martin recounted a heartwarming moment from the night before the attack, where he shared a loving embrace with his son. “I told him I love him, and he hugged me back and said ‘I love you, Dad,’” he recalled with a heavy heart.
Despite the efforts of the medical team at Ochsner Hospital, 28-year-old Tiger succumbed to his injuries. Martin praised the hospital staff, saying, “They did everything they could to save him. It was extraordinary.”
Hours after the attack, Jack shared his grief on social media, saying, “Love you always brother. You inspired me every day.”
Tiger’s mother, Michelle Bech, mentioned that he was in Louisiana for a weekend of hunting and fishing with friends and was set to return to New York City shortly after the New Year’s celebrations.
Tiger had a remarkable college football career at Princeton, where he played for three seasons and earned All-Ivy League honors. After graduating, he transitioned from sports to a career as a trader in New York City.
The attack, designated as an act of terrorism by the FBI, occurred early on January 1 when the suspect, identified as 42-year-old Shamsud-Din Jabbar from Texas, drove his truck into a crowd before firing at law enforcement. The FBI also reported finding an apparent ISIS flag in the vehicle involved in the incident.
