Unnecessary violence must end at all costs. The football community is no stranger to rivalries and celebrations, but this time, it’s bound together by heartbreak. With a heavy heart, we must tell you that a Lafayette native, former St. Thomas More High and class of 2021 graduate of Princeton University, has died because of injuries suffered in a presumed terror attack in New Orleans on New Year’s Day, according to officials. This horrific incident has left a void not just in the football world but across the whole world.

Tiger Bech, 27, was a wide receiver and defensive back for the Princeton Tigers, tragically lost his life following a horrifying New Year’s Day attack. Bech showcased his talents as a versatile athlete at STM and later for the Tigers. Condolences poured in from all corners, with Princeton Football leading the tributes. Their heartfelt post on X read, “Princeton Football mourns the loss of Tiger Bech ‘21. Our thoughts and prayers go out to his family and to all of the victims of the Bourbon Street attack.” Fans and former teammates echoed the sentiments. He was rushed to the hospital on Wednesday but lost his life even before his family could see him for one last time. Kim Broussard, the athletic director at St. Thomas More Catholic High School, informed.

Broussard also said the 27-year-old young star was hit by the terror suspect’s truck, suffered catastrophic internal bleeding and was kept on life support. He was in New Orleans for the holidays, which is the saddest part. Bech’s athletic prowess was evident early on. At STM, he racked up 1,646 total yards and 19 touchdowns in his senior year alone. His accolades included All-District and All-Acadiana honors, with performances that were nothing short of electric. Yet, it was his time at Princeton that cemented his legacy. Over three seasons with the Tigers, he hauled in 53 receptions for 825 yards and three touchdowns.

Off the field, Tiger Bech was equally impressive. Graduating from Princeton in 2021 with a degree in finance, he traded football cleats for a career at a New York brokerage firm. As Princeton Football’s social media post reflected, Bech was the kind of teammate and friend who left an indelible mark wherever he went.

The gravity of this loss extends even further when you consider his family ties. Bech was the older brother of Jack Bech, a WR who played at LSU Tigers and TCU. Their bond was evident to anyone who saw them. Jack’s tribute on X encapsulated the depth of their connection. “Love you always brother! You inspired me everyday now you get to be with me in every moment. I got this family T, don’t worry. This is for us”, Jack wrote. It’s impossible not to feel the raw pain in those words—a younger brother trying to come to terms with a loss so profound, hits the deepest.

Bech’s passing has ignited an outpouring of grief and solidarity from fans, teammates, and strangers alike.

The collective mourning voices for Tiger Bech

Social media became a collective space for grief, and the response to Tiger Bech’s death underscores just how much he meant to so many. Princeton Football’s post on X became a digital gathering ground for those grappling with the news. The comments reflected a shared heartbreak, with one user writing, “Heartbreaking. Prayers for his family and all families and friends of every life lost and all injured.” Another added, “God rest his soul. So sad! RIP!” These sentiments are a testament to how deeply Bech’s story has resonated.

The heartfelt responses didn’t stop there. “RIP Tiger 🙏🏻,” one person posted, a succinct yet powerful acknowledgement of loss. Another voice captured the raw shock many felt: “Damn shame. RIP young man.” These comments, though simple, encapsulate the collective grief of a community struggling to process an unfathomable tragedy. It’s a reminder that sometimes words don’t have to be elaborate to convey profound sorrow. Jack Bech’s tribute stood out not just for its emotional weight but for its powerful simplicity.

The football world grieves together, honoring Bech’s memory while calling for a safer. Rest in peace, Tiger. You’ll forever be a tiger.