Longtime ESPN reporter Marty Smith has often tackled hard-hitting topics during his time at the network. On Monday, during College GameDay before the National Championship, he struggled to contain his emotions following a poignant segment about a victim of the New Orleans terror attack. The highly anticipated matchup between Notre Dame and Ohio State was preceded by a six-minute segment focused on Martin Bech Jr., known as Tiger Bech, one of the 14 victims of the attack earlier this month.
The segment included heartfelt commentary from Bech’s family, explaining that his nickname came from their admiration for the LSU Tigers and his upbringing in Lafayette, Louisiana. Sadly, it also featured touching yet heartbreaking testimonies regarding his tragic passing on New Year’s Day while celebrating in the French Quarter with his Princeton teammate Ryan Quigley.
Tiger Bech was an All-Ivy League kick returner at Princeton. He was a brother, a son, a teammate, and a best friend. He was also a victim of the attack in New Orleans on New Year’s Day. Those close to him share who Tiger was and his enduring legacy. (via @MartySmithESPN) pic.twitter.com/uYm3R2we8c
— College GameDay (@CollegeGameDay) January 20, 2025
After the segment, Marty Smith provided an on-field report from Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, where he fought back tears while discussing the senseless nature of the attack. “In the chaotic aftermath of the Bourbon Street terror that claimed 14 innocent lives, the Bech family informed me they received inaccurate information suggesting Tiger had saved someone that night,” Smith shared. “They were told by authorities that was incorrect. They asked me to ensure that any details concerning Tiger that evening were accurately represented.” He added, “The FBI also informed them that Tiger never saw the truck coming. While he did live for a short time after being struck, the family hopes he did not suffer, which brings them some peace during this terrible time.”
An emotional Marty Smith reporting after this segment on College GameDay. ❤️ https://t.co/3YF1nLMKPb pic.twitter.com/PJJetnUk5A
— Awful Announcing (@awfulannouncing) January 20, 2025
While this moment was undoubtedly challenging for Smith, it served as a heartfelt tribute to the life of Tiger Bech.
