Tiger Bech, a 27-year-old former Princeton football player, was one of at least 14 people killed in a terror attack on Bourbon Street in New Orleans on Wednesday. His sister, Virginia Bech, confirmed his death to CNN.
Tiger was walking back to his hotel with a friend, Ryan Quigley, when the attack occurred. Quigley was wounded in the attack and is in a stable condition with a severe laceration to the head and a broken leg.
Tiger’s sister described him as a “beloved” and “larger-than-life” person who loved to travel and was a “ferocious competitor” on the football field. He played college football at Princeton and later worked as a junior trader for Seaport Global Holdings in New York City.
The FBI confirmed that 14 people were killed in the attack, including the attacker who is also dead. The New Orleans Coroner had previously announced 15 deaths, but did not provide identifying information on the victims.
Tiger’s sister last spoke to him around 1:30 a.m. on New Year’s Day when he texted her a “Happy New Year” message. She later sent him a message saying “Happy New Year Tig. I love you and so proud of all you accomplished in 2024. 2025, let’s get it!” just hours before he was killed.
His family is struggling to come to terms with his death, with his younger brother, Jack, writing on social media, “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.”