A former large receiver at Princeton University, a doting father of two and a latest highschool graduate have been recognized by members of the family as three of the individuals killed within the truck assault Wednesday in New Orleans.
At least 15 individuals have been killed and greater than 30 have been injured when a 42-year-old U.S. citizen from Texas plowed a pickup into crowds on Bourbon Street celebrating the new year, authorities mentioned. He opened hearth on responding officers and was killed, officers have mentioned.
An Islamic State group flag was discovered within the truck, the FBI mentioned. It mentioned that it’s wanting into the suspect’s potential connections with terrorist organizations and that it’s investigating the assault as an act of terrorism.
New Orleans police and officers with the Orleans Parish Coroner’s Office haven’t launched the names of the individuals who have been killed; nevertheless, members of the family have recognized some.
Martin ‘Tiger’ Bech, 27
Martin “Tiger” Bech, 27, was killed, his mom, Michelle Bech, advised NBC News on Wednesday afternoon.
Tiger Bech, a graduate of Princeton University, the place he was an achieved large receiver and punt returner, lived in New York City and labored as a junior bond dealer for a Wall Street firm, his mom mentioned.
He was with a pal on Bourbon Street when the truck hit him, his mom mentioned. His pal survived the assault. Tiger Bech was later pronounced lifeless at a hospital, however Michelle Bech mentioned she was in a position to say goodbye to him earlier than he died.
“He was residing his greatest life, and he knew it,” she mentioned. “It simply leaves an enormous void in our life.”
Bech, of Lafayette, Louisiana, mentioned Tiger Bech skilled together with his youthful brother, Jack, a large receiver at Texas Christian University who was getting ready for the NFL draft.
Tiger was his youngest brother’s “largest supporter,” she mentioned.
Jack Bech posted on X about his brother’s loss of life:
“Love you at all times brother! You impressed me on a regular basis now you get to be with me in each second. I bought this household T, don’t fear. This is for us.” He ended the message with a coronary heart emoji.
Princeton’s athletic division mentioned in a press release Wednesday that Bech’s nickname was becoming.
“He was a ‘Tiger’ in each means — a ferocious competitor with infinite vitality, a beloved teammate and a caring pal,” head soccer coach Bob Surace mentioned. “Our final dialog was about how proud I used to be of the expansion he confirmed throughout his time at Princeton and the success he was having after commencement. My love goes to the whole Bech household.”
Bech was a member of the 2016 and 2018 Ivy League champion groups. He earned two All-Ivy honors as a return specialist for the Tigers, together with second-team accolades in 2018, the varsity’s first excellent season since 1964, the college mentioned.
Bech additionally recorded 53 catches for 825 yards and three touchdowns as large receiver, Princeton mentioned.
His highschool, St. Thomas More Catholic High School, in Lafayette, mentioned in a press release Wednesday that the neighborhood was mourning his loss of life. Bech graduated in 2015 and was referred to as a “standout” in soccer, lacrosse and monitor and subject, the varsity mentioned.
Reggie Hunter, 37
Reggie Hunter, 37, of Baton Rouge, died after the truck hit him, mentioned his cousin Shirell Jackson, of Hammond, Louisiana.
Jackson mentioned she rushed to University Medical Center, the place Hunter was pronounced lifeless.
She described her cousin as an “superior particular person” and “a little-bitty man” with a “huge coronary heart.” She mentioned Hunter, a supervisor at a warehouse, was extraordinarily humorous and adored his kids, boys ages 11 and 1.
“He simply didn’t deserve this,” Jackson mentioned.
He had been with one other cousin who survived the assault, she mentioned.
At the hospital, Jackson ran throughout others who had misplaced family members.
“I want the mother who I’ve seen on the hospital wasn’t crying and her daughter wasn’t lifeless,” she mentioned. She mentioned there was additionally a pair whose son had died.
Regardless of a motive, the assault could have lasting penalties, Jackson mentioned.
“Whether it was a terrorist or Joe Blow … from no matter, Louisiana, what they finished was horrible,” she mentioned. “They devastated so many lives.”
Ni’Kyra Cheyenne Dedeaux
Ni’Kyra Cheyenne Dedeaux, a latest highschool graduate, was killed, her grandmother Jennifer Smith advised The New York Times.
Her mom, Melissa Dedeaux, said Wednesday on Facebook that her daughter was killed and requested for prayers.
“When your dad and mom say don’t go anyplace please take heed to them…this was an act of terroism and now my child is gone y’all,” she wrote. “my child is gone she is not with us.”
The submit was accompanied by {a photograph} of Ni’Kyra carrying a pink commencement cap and robe.
Dedeaux couldn’t be reached for remark.
