On New Year’s Day 2025, tragedy struck as a terrorist attack in New Orleans claimed the lives of 15 individuals, including Martin “Tiger” Bech, the older brother of former LSU Tiger and current TCU Horned Frogs wide receiver Jack Bech.
Tiger Bech, 27, was a former Princeton football player who had returned to Louisiana to visit family and friends. He was among the victims when a pickup truck, driven by 42-year-old Shamsud-Din Jabbar, plowed into a crowd on Bourbon Street.
In the wake of this devastating loss, Jack Bech has honored his brother’s memory in several poignant ways:
Public Tribute and Personal Reflection
Jack Bech publicly mourned his brother’s death, expressing the profound impact of the loss on his life. He shared, “Now, each day on will be the hardest day of my life. Just living there, knowing I can’t speak to him ever again.”
Community Support and Memorial Services
The Bech family received an outpouring of support from their community. At Saint Thomas More Catholic High School in Lafayette, Louisiana, where both brothers were alumni, family and friends gathered to honor Tiger Bech’s memory. Principal Marty Cannon remarked, “It’s not the biggest community, but we’re a very tight-knit community. So any time we lose one of our alumni it’s a big deal and it’s felt by many.”
Continued Dedication to Football
Despite the immense personal tragedy, Jack Bech has remained focused on his football career. In the 2024 season, he achieved a breakout performance with 1,034 yards and nine touchdowns on 62 catches, becoming only the fifth TCU player to surpass 1,000 receiving yards in a single season. He declared for the 2025 NFL Draft in December 2024, demonstrating his commitment to his sport and honoring his brother’s memory through his dedication and success on the field.
Through public tributes, community engagement, and unwavering dedication to his football career, Jack Bech continues to honor his late brother, Tiger Bech, ensuring that his memory lives on in the hearts of those who knew him.
