50 Sports Greats Who Died In 2025: Princeton Receiver Martin ‘Tiger’ Bech In New Orleans’ Terror Attack At 27

On January 1, former Princeton wide receiver and return specialist Martin “Tiger” Bech died during the terrorist attack in New Orleans on Bourbon Street.

Bech, 27, was in a crowd of people when a truck drove through, killing 14 individuals and injuring multiple. Bech suffered severe internal bleeding, was taken to the hospital, and put on life support.

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He was on life support until his family arrived. He was taken off life support shortly after, and he passed away.

Tiger’s brother, Jack Bech, was selected in the second round of the 2025 NFL Draft. Jack wrote a letter to his brother to let him know how much he means to him and that he knows Tiger will be with him in every aspect of his life in the future.

“So I want to make sure you know now. For all time. I want you to understand…. You were my best friend, Tiger. My role model. The person I wanted to be,” Jack said.

Tiger was a receiver and return man for Princeton University. During his junior season, Bech led the Ivy League in average punt return yards and helped contribute to Princeton’s Ivy League championship.

Bech was a two-time Second-Team All-Ivy League selection as a return specialist, and he won two Ivy League Championships.

He graduated in 2021 with a degree in sociology. Bech worked in the finance world as a junior bonds trader, specializing in cybersecurity.