Princeton grad injured in New Orleans attack heartbroken over loss of best friend

PRINCETON, N.J. (WPVI) -- A Princeton University graduate was killed and another was injured in the truck attack early Wednesday morning in New Orleans.

Both victims were roommates living and working together in New York City.

Family members confirm former Princeton University football player Tiger Bech was killed in the attack. He was a wide receiver at Princeton from 2017 to 2019.

Michelle Bech said her son, 27, lived life to the fullest and was "on top of the world." She said her son was in Louisiana for a long weekend of hunting and fishing -- two of his favorite activities -- with college friends from Princeton.

He was scheduled to fly back to New York City Wednesday afternoon.

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His younger brother, Jack Bech, is a wide receiver for Texas Christian University Football. Michelle Bech said Tiger Bech frequently flew down from New York City over the past two years to attend his brother's games.

In a statement to ABC News, Princeton football coach Bob Surace described Bech as a "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," Surace said.

Bech's roommate and best friend, Ryan Quigley, was injured in the tragedy.

Quigley graduated from Lansdale Catholic in 2016 and Princeton University in 2020.

Quigley's family says he's in stable condition after suffering broken bones and abrasions. But he's heartbroken over the loss of Bech.

"They both have a brother of their own, but these two act and behave like brothers," said Quigley's mother, Kelley, in an interview with Action News. "We're processing the tragedy. We're staying as positive as possible and we are really blessed that Ryan is in recovery mode."

"It's been pretty overwhelming, but we are so appreciative and grateful for the outpour of support and prayers for Ryan and our family," she added.

The president of Lansdale Catholic, Meghan Callen, called Quigley "a beloved member of the Lansdale Catholic High School Class of 2016."

"We are incredibly proud of him, and we are hopeful and praying for his complete and full recovery," Callen said.

In 2014, Action News was there as Quigley and his high school teammates at Lansdale made a Make-A-Wish recipient's dream come true by allowing a boy suffering from a rare seizure disorder to run a play during their game.

Quigley ran alongside the 11-year-old and then held him up after he scored a touchdown.

Both Bech and Quigley worked at Seaport Global, a brokerage firm in New York City.

A representative from the company referred to them as "well-regarded employees."

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