In the church where he once served as an altar boy, family, friends, classmates, and teammates gathered on Monday to say their final goodbyes to Tiger Bech, who was tragically killed in a terrorist attack in New Orleans on New Year’s Day.
The memorial service took place at the Cathedral of St. John the Evangelist in Lafayette, where Tiger’s parents, Martin and Michelle Voorhies Bech, were surrounded by loved ones as they honored their son’s life.
“I watched Tiger grow into the best, happiest version of himself,” his older sister Virginia Bech told mourners from the pulpit. Standing beside her siblings and holding a plush tiger toy, Virginia reflected on her brother’s life and the love he gave.
Tiger Bech graduated from St. Thomas More High School in 2015 before completing a postgraduate year at The Loomis-Chaffee School in Windsor, Connecticut. He went on to Princeton University, earning a degree in finance in 2021. During his time at Princeton, he played for the Tigers football team as a wide receiver and punt return specialist, earning several All-Ivy honors.
After graduation, Bech moved to New York City, where he began working in cybersecurity before transitioning to a role as a trader at a New York brokerage firm. Later, he started his dream job as a finance analyst at Seaport Global, a Wall Street firm in Manhattan, alongside his best friend Ryan Quigley. The two were celebrating New Year’s Eve on Bourbon Street when the attack occurred. Ryan, who was severely injured in the attack, attended the funeral in a wheelchair.
“We will take such good care of you,” said Sophie Bech, Tiger’s younger sister, as she addressed Ryan, who was sitting in the front row.
Reverend Andrew Schumacher, who led the service, spoke directly to Ryan, praising his strength and love for his best friend. “Thank you for fighting, thank you for loving, thank you for being here,” Schumacher said. “You’re broken, you’re bloodied and you’re bruised. And you’re here because you love your best friend.”
Schumacher also shared fond memories of Tiger, recalling a Christmas Day at the Bech family home when Tiger and his brother, Jack, were playfully cracking eggs for an omelet. He also spoke of a call Tiger made to his grandmother on New Year’s Eve, just hours before his death. “How many grandchildren think of their grandmother on New Year’s Eve?” Schumacher asked, emphasizing Tiger’s deep care for his family.
“Not many could fill this church,” said Schumacher, looking at the packed congregation. “But Tiger did.”
Tiger was one of 14 victims who died in the New Year’s Day attack in New Orleans, all from blunt force injuries. Bech passed away late Wednesday morning, surrounded by his parents.
Tiger’s brother, Jack Bech, who currently plays wide receiver for Texas Christian University, shared an emotional tribute. “He was my best friend, my role model, my number one fan,” Jack said, reflecting on the close bond they shared.
Despite the tragic loss, the Bech siblings shared a message of love and hope. “Love, abundant love. This world needs it, now more than ever,” Virginia Bech told the crowd. The service ended with a reminder of Tiger’s legacy of love, generosity, and the lasting impact he had on everyone who knew him.
