While many were celebrating New Year’s Day on January 1, 2025, a disaster struck Bourbon Street in New Orleans. A 42-year-old man identified as Shamsud-Din Jabbar from Texas drove a pickup truck into a crowd, resulting in many casualties. In this incident, Princeton University lost their football star Martin “Tiger” Bech, and when this news reached Mondo Duplantis, the Olympian was devastated.

Indeed, it was a heartbreaking situation for all the people and their families and friends who were involved in this terrifying attack. Martin was a rising athlete and had a bright future to look forward to. However, as the crowd won’t be seeing him on the field now, this just broke the hearts of many fans, including Duplantis.

Mondo Duplantis pays his tribute to the late football star

Mondo Duplantis is an athlete whose name is etched in many kinds of world records in his respective sport. However, once he was a budding athlete in college, he knew how competitive it was to get to the top step of the podium from scratch. Indeed, watching a fellow athlete’s life go away was really tough for him, and to showcase support for the deceased football star, he gave him a tribute.

Taking to his Instagram, Duplantis shared the social media post of St. Thomas More Catholic High School, stating, “❤️‍🩹❤️‍🩹” The whole situation has left him numb, and it’s completely understandable. There have been many victims of this tragic incident, and after the investigations, the number has risen, and it isn’t looking very good. Everyone on the spot was rushed to the nearby emergency care, but the death toll included the name of the Princeton footballer. 

Many people were deeply saddened by this update, as he had a bright future ahead of him, with aspirations to establish his name in the big leagues. In the same Instagram post that was shared by Mondo Duplantis, the high school where he graduated from paid their own tribute, stating, “The St. Thomas More Catholic High School community mourns the loss of Martin ‘Tiger’ Bech, Jr. Tiger, a 2015 graduate and standout athlete in football, lacrosse, and track and field, tragically passed away as a result of the New Year attack in New Orleans. Please keep the Bech family and all those affected by this tragic event in your prayers.”

Indeed, many are disturbed by this terrifying attack, and the high school has let their faith in the divine power, stating, “Eternal rest grant unto them, O Lord, and let perpetual light shine upon them. May the souls of all the faithful departed, through the mercy of God, rest in peace. Amen.” Reality is indeed a hard pill to swallow. Someone as determined and uplifting as Tiger won’t be around anymore physically, but many will be keeping him in their prayers. 

Princeton University mourns the loss of one of their own

The moment Martin Bech’s death became official, Princeton Athletics and the Princeton football program took no time but immediately paid their tributes to their once budding athlete. Indeed, the news was just saddening for many, and the football team’s head coach, Bob Surace, conveyed his condolences, stating, “He was a ‘Tiger’ in every way – a ferocious competitor with endless energy, a beloved teammate and a caring friend. 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.”

Now, heartbreaking would be an understatement of a word for what he meant to all these people. Martin earned his nickname due to his exceptional abilities both on and off the field, and his personality was greatly appreciated by many. While he was a formidable competitor, he was a loyal friend to many and a person who helped them throughout their tough times. And what’s the most emotional thing for the head coach of Princeton University? Their last conversation included Surace being proud of his athlete, and remembering this just brings tears to his eyes. 

However, Martin’s family was more devastated by this news, and his death was further confirmed by his brother, Jack Bech, who paid a tribute, stating, “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.” The late football star’s mother shared another emotional note, asserting that her son lived his life to the fullest. This statement clearly conveyed her heartbreak. Indeed, it’s a challenging moment for a mother, as she will no longer have the opportunity to see her son.

The daring athlete who went by the moniker “Tiger” was a member of the 2016 and 2018 Ivy League Championship teams and played a vital role in the success of the Princeton Tigers. The year 2018 was a perfect season for the team since 1964, and during this time, Martin managed to secure two All-Ivy honors. He also recorded 53 catches for 825 yards and three touchdowns as a wide receiver during his stellar career with the University, making him a prospect to look out for. There were a ton of things on his plate and a bright future, but unfortunately it didn’t turn out the way things were planned by him. We offer our condolences to his family and relatives, and may his soul rest in peace.