The new year unfortunately began on a very sombre note. A horrific tragedy struck in New Orleans on New Year’s Day, sending shockwaves through the college football world. A vehicle plowed into a crowd of revelers on Bourbon Street in the French Quarter, leaving at least 15 people dead and many more injured. This was deemed an act of terror. The 15 innocent souls included former All-Ivy League Princeton kick-returner Tiger Bech. He was only 27.

The suspect, 42-year-old Shamsud-Din Jabbar, was fatally encountered at the scene of the crime. The FBI stated he was not acting solely in this incident. He was reportedly a U.S. Army veteran, which adds a terrible layer to this already gruesome act. Call it divine intervention or good fortune, but some people in close proximity survived the attack. One of these was Tiger Bech’s best friend and former teammate, Ryan Quigley. But he now relies on a wheelchair for mobility. As Ryan Quigley lives on with the memory of Bech, the pair’s favorite NFL franchise alleviated some distress with a heartwarming gesture.

The Philadelphia Eagles invited Ryan Quigley to their Divisional Round matchup vs. the Rams. Players greeted and spent time with Ryan prematch, as well as signed some stuff for him. This doesn’t relieve the pain that tragedy inflicted, but it goes some way to dissipate it. “Tiger [Bech] and I were big birds fans…to honor him and to be a part of a special day in the playoffs-It means the world,” said Philly native Ryan Quigley during this visit. He voiced a very special message to the media when asked what he’d like people to know about Bech.

“[Tiger Bech] had a special quality to make everyone that he met feel like they were his best friend. That just goes to show that, you know, count all your blessings. Live every day like he lived life, to the fullest. I want to encourage everyone to do the same. The one thing he would’ve said today is ‘Go birds,’ So, Go Birds!” said Ryan Quigley as he attempted to remain poised through the gush of emotions.

The spirit he’s shown and the perspective he’s keeping through this adversity are commendable. Tiger Bech’s siblings reciprocated the love to Ryan on his behalf.

Brother Jack Bech commented, “❤️❤️” under the aforementioned IG post relaying the interview with Ryan. Jack was a star WR for the TCU Horned Frogs and has now declared for the NFL draft. He put up over 1000 yards and 9 TDs this past season. This only goes to show how quickly life’s cruelty can creep up on you. Less than a fortnight passed between Jack’s declaration and Tiger’s passing.

Their sister, Olivila, also showed love and reposted the video on her own IG. As they move forward, Tiger Bech’s heroic final act will be a source of comfort for his two siblings and Ryan Quigley.

Tiger Bech’s untimely passing was preceded by a valorous act of bravery

The reverence that his best friend Ryan had for Tiger Bech wasn’t unfounded. This was a truly special soul. At his tender age, Tiger did something that most people can’t even hypothesize over. Jack Bech relayed a bit of information in the aftermath of this tragedy that hails his elder brother as a “true hero.”

Jack took to X to share a screenshot of a text he received. It said that surveillance footage obtained from the scene of the crime shows Tiger Bech saving a woman by pushing her out of the way of the approaching truck. The legitimacy of this is still a little translucent, owing to the footage understandably not being released to the public. However, it’s been widely reported and attested to. “My brother is a true hero. Can’t express the love I have for him. He’s an Angel,” wrote Jack.

The Bech family has lost a figurehead. Ryan Quigley has lost a confidante. The Philadelphia Eagles have lost a devoted fan, and the world has lost a virtuous soul. Hopefully, everyone affected by this travesty in NOLA is able to cope as well as Ryan Quigley and the Bech family.