A Tiger In Every Way: Princeton Mourns Athlete Killed In New Orleans

PRINCETON, NJ — Princeton University and the athletics program are mourning the loss of a former University football star who was killed when a driver plowed into a crowd on Wednesday in New Orleans.

Martin "Tiger" Bech '21 was among 15 people killed when a U.S. Army veteran drove a pickup truck into a crowd of New Year's revelers in Bourbon Street, New Orleans.

Head Coach of Princeton Football Bob Surace paid tribute to Bech, calling him a fierce competitor.

"There was no more appropriate nickname of a Princeton player I coached," Surace said.

"He was a 'Tiger' in every way - a ferocious competitor with endless energy, a beloved teammate and a caring friend.”

Bech played for the Princeton Tigers from 2016-18. He earned two All-Ivy honors as a return specialist for the Tigers including second-team accolades during Princeton's first perfect season since 1964 in 2018.

He also recorded 53 catches for 825 yards and three touchdowns as wide receiver during his career with Princeton.

Surace recalled his last conversation with Bech, 27, who worked as a stockbroker in New York and was visiting New Orleans for the holidays.

“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. My love goes to the entire Bech family," Surace said.

Among those injured in the attack is former Princeton football player Ryan Quigley, NBC10 reported.

Quigley graduated from Princeton University in 2020 and was teammates with Bech. Both worked at the brokerage firm in New York and were visiting New Orleans, according to ABC7.

A native of Lansdale, PA, Quigley is currently recovering from his injuries.

The FBI said it was investigating the attack as a terrorist act. The FBI said it does not believe the driver acted alone.

Investigators found guns and what appeared to be an improvised explosive device in the vehicle — which bore the flag of the Islamic State group — along with other explosive devices elsewhere in the city's famed French Quarter.

President Joe Biden said Wednesday evening that the FBI found the videos the driver posted to social media. He called the attack a "despicable" and "heinous act."

(With reporting from the Associated Press)

Have a correction or news tip? Email sarah.salvadore@patch.com