Crime
28-year-old Tiger Bech killed in New Orleans car-ramming attack
Tiger Bech, a 27-year-old Lafayette native and former standout athlete from St. Thomas More Catholic High School, has tragically died as a result of injuries sustained during the presumed terrorist attack in New Orleans on New Year’s Day.
Bech, who was struck by the suspect’s vehicle, suffered catastrophic internal injuries.
He was transported to a New Orleans hospital and placed on life support until his family could arrive.
He succumbed to his injuries late Wednesday morning, as confirmed by Kim Broussard, the athletic director at St. Thomas More.
Bech was a versatile and accomplished athlete during his high school years. As a member of St. Thomas More’s football team, he excelled in multiple positions, including wide receiver, quarterback, punt returner, and defensive back.
His senior year accolades included all-state honors, as well as being named to the All-Acadiana Regional and All-District First Teams. His impressive performance saw him amass 1,646 total yards and 19 touchdowns, showcasing his skill and dedication to the sport.
Bech continued his football career at Princeton University, where he played as a wide receiver.
Over three seasons, he recorded 53 catches for 825 yards and three touchdowns. In 2021, Bech graduated from Princeton with a degree in finance and pursued a career as a trader at a brokerage firm in New York.
Tiger Bech was the older brother of Jack Bech, a former wide receiver for LSU and TCU. Jack shared a heartfelt tribute to his brother on social media, expressing the profound loss felt by their family.
“Tiger was not just an athlete but also an incredible brother, son, and friend,” said Broussard. “He had a profound impact on everyone he met, both on and off the field.”
Bech was in New Orleans celebrating the holiday season when the attack occurred. The incident, which claimed the lives of 10 people and injured at least 35 others, has been labeled a likely act of terrorism by authorities.
St. Thomas More High School released a statement mourning the loss of their alumnus, stating, “Tiger was a beacon of excellence and a beloved member of our community. His legacy will endure in the hearts of all who knew him.”
From his record-breaking athletic achievements to his academic and professional success, Tiger Bech’s life was marked by determination, talent, and a deep connection to his family and community. His untimely death has left a void that will be deeply felt by all who were fortunate to know him.
As investigations into the attack continue, friends and family are rallying to honor Bech’s memory and the incredible impact he had during his 27 years.
BEND, Ore. — Rhoam Summer, 5, has been identified as the first reported victim of the deadly shooting at Silver Rail Elementary School in Bend, Oregon, where preliminary reports indicate that four victims, including three children and one adult, were killed. The 16-year-old suspect also died, bringing the reported death toll to five.
The shooting prompted a major law enforcement and emergency response Thursday afternoon, October 15, 2026, after Bend police issued an active-shooter alert at approximately 1:17 p.m. Authorities described a large police presence at the school and urged the public to avoid the area.
Information provided in preliminary reports indicated that the children killed were ages 5, 8 and 11. One teacher was also reported dead. Rhoam Summer, 5, was identified as the first victim publicly named in connection with the tragedy.
Authorities had not yet released the names of the other reported victims in the information available for this report.
According to preliminary information attributed to federal law enforcement, four victims died as a result of the shooting: three children and one adult. The suspected shooter, a 16-year-old Bend resident, was also reported dead.
This brings the reported total to five deaths, including the suspect.
Reports indicated that two additional people were transported for medical treatment in critical condition. They were described as a 7-year-old child and a 54-year-old teacher.
The reported casualties have not all been independently confirmed through a complete official victim list. Further information from law enforcement and medical authorities is needed to establish the final number of injured people and the conditions of those receiving treatment.
Preliminary reports identified the suspected shooter as a 16-year-old resident of Bend. The teenager was reportedly armed with a shotgun.
Scanner traffic and early reports indicated that a bystander, described as a Good Samaritan and possibly the father of a student, shot and killed the suspect. Reports also described the bystander as someone legally carrying a concealed firearm.
However, the circumstances surrounding the suspect’s death, including the identity and role of the bystander, require confirmation from law enforcement. These details should not be considered established facts until officials release an authoritative account.
Authorities had reported that the suspect was deceased, but further verified information about the sequence of events was not available in the preliminary reports summarized here.
Bend police issued an alert at approximately 1:17 p.m. Thursday reporting an active shooter at Silver Rail Elementary School in southeast Bend.
The initial alert provided limited information but warned residents of a large police presence and urged them to stay away from the area. Police, fire crews and emergency medical personnel responded to the school.
The incident triggered urgent safety measures as authorities worked to secure the campus, assess casualties and coordinate the emergency response.
Approximately 10 minutes after the initial alert, police announced that a reunification site had been established at Journey Church, located at 61303 S Highway 97, near Goodwill and Dairy Queen.
Families of students were instructed to go to the designated location to reunite with their children.
Parents also received alerts indicating that nearby schools, including Caldera High School and Jewell Elementary, had been placed under lockdown as a precaution while law enforcement responded to the shooting.
The shooting at Silver Rail Elementary School has left families and the Bend community facing a devastating loss. The reported deaths of three children and one adult, along with the death of the teenage suspect, have made the incident one of the most serious school emergencies reported in the area.
Investigators are expected to establish the sequence of events, confirm the identities of the victims, determine how the shooting unfolded and clarify the circumstances surrounding the suspect’s death.