Martin "Tiger" Bech ’16 was among those killed in the New Orleans truck attack early on New Year’s Day. 

The FBI has identified a Texas man as the driver of the truck that drove into a crowd of revelers on Bourbon Street, killing at least 15 people and injuring many more. The FBI is investigating the attack as an act of terrorism. 

“The Loomis Chaffee School is mourning the loss of Martin ‘Tiger’ Bech, a post-graduate student in the Class of 2016,” read a statement from the school to media outlets. “In his year at Loomis, Tiger was a cherished member of our community. He lived on campus and played varsity football and lacrosse. He is remembered fondly by his classmates, coaches, faculty, and staff. We extend our sympathies to his family and friends.” 

Tiger was remembered by Dean of Enrollment Amy Thompson as “a young man who was friendly to everyone and took full advantage of his [post-graduate] year to improve his academics and embrace the opportunity to meet new people — everything we want in our PGs.” 

Steve Colgate, an English teacher and assistant football coach, said Tiger was a very talented athlete “always willing to do whatever was needed to help the team.” 

“Our quarterback broke his scapula during the first drive of our first game, and Tiger volunteered to step in at QB in the middle of the game with no practice at all,” Steve said. “He basically just shrugged his shoulders and said, ‘I can do that.’ He was also extremely smart and a talented student, but what stood out to me was his willingness to step up when needed.”  

Elliott Dial, a teacher and a dean of students, remembers Tiger as "a dynamic athlete both on the football and lacrosse fields" and as someone "not afraid to speak his mind or stand up for things that he believed."  

Tiger went on to Princeton University, from which he graduated in 2021 and was a standout football player. In an article published Wednesday on Princeton’s website, head coach Bob Surace said that Bech “was a 'Tiger' in every way — a ferocious competitor with endless energy, a beloved teammate and a caring friend." 

Tiger was a member of the 2016 and 2018 Ivy League Championship teams, the school said. He twice earned All-Ivy honors as a return specialist and had 53 receptions for 825 yards and three touchdowns as a wide receiver during his college career.