Tiger Bech ’21 Killed in New Orleans Truck Attack

Tiger Bech ’21, a former Princeton football standout, was killed in the early hours of New Year’s Day when a man driving a pickup truck rammed his vehicle through Bourbon Street in New Orleans, killing 15 and injuring at least 30.

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Tiger Bech ’21

Princeton Athletics

A Louisianan, Bech grew up in Lafayette and attended St. Thomas More Catholic High School. He earned all-state honors for his performance on the football team from the Louisiana Coaches Association.

Bech majored in sociology and played for the Princeton football team, earning All-Ivy honors as a punt returner and recording 825 receiving yards as a wide receiver.

“He was a ‘Tiger’ in every way — a ferocious competitor with endless energy, a beloved teammate and a caring friend,” said head football coach Bob Surace ’90 in a press release. “Our last conversation was about how proud I was of the growth he showed during his time at Princeton and the success he was having after graduation.”

Bech was in New Orleans with fellow Princeton football alum Ryan Quigley ’20, who suffered serious injuries as a result of the attack. Quigley is in stable condition, according to reporting from CNN.

A GoFundMe “Supporting Ryan Quigley’s Recovery and Honoring Tiger Bech” raised more than $79,000 in about three hours before it was paused by organizers.

Other football alumni and coaches poured out their support for the Bech family on social media. 

“Forever in my heart brother. One of a kind teammate and friend. Love you like family, Tig,” wrote Collin Eaddy ’22 on X, formerly Twitter. Eaddy played alongside Bech on the football team as a running back.

Sean Gleeson, now an offensive analyst for the University of Missouri’s football team, formerly served as Princeton’s offensive coordinator. In a post on X, Gleeson remembered Bech's accomplishments on the field. 

“His impact on the ’17 & ’18 teams was undeniable. Catch after catch in ’17 Yale. A game changing crosser in Cambridge & the fearless return vs Dartmouth in ’18,” wrote Gleeson. “#7. Your growth made you a champion.” 

This story is breaking and will be updated as more information becomes available. 

Tiger Beck ’21 earned All-Ivy honors on Princeton’s football team.

Princeton Athletics