At a Glance
- 15 people were killed, including 27-year-old Martin “Tiger” Bech, in a pickup-truck attack on New Year’s Day 2025.
- Survivor Ryan Quigley is sharing his recovery a year later.
- The Philadelphia Eagles and Las Vegas Raiders honored Bech’s memory with tickets, a Super Bowl ring, and a tribute jersey.
- Why it matters: It shows how a community rallies to honor a fallen friend and how one man keeps his memory alive.
A year after the New Year’s tragedy, Ryan Quigley speaks with News Of Philadelphia about the physical and emotional toll of the attack and the support he has received from teammates, family, and fans.
The Attack and Its Aftermath
On January 1 2025, a pickup truck crashed into a crowd on Bourbon Street in New Orleans, engaging in a shootout with police before the driver was killed. Fifteen people died, including Tiger Bech, while Quigley was injured and hospitalized.
Quigley’s Recovery Journey
Quigley says he is “getting there” and feels the past year has felt like “one month and ten years at the same time.” He still feels “pretty numb to everything.”
> Ryan Quigley
>
> “I’m getting there. I feel like this whole year has just been like, you know it’s felt like one month and you know ten years at the same time. I still feel like I’m pretty numb to everything.”
He also recalls not remembering the immediate aftermath, only the night he and Tiger had together and the comforting presence of his parents.
> Ryan Quigley
>
> “I just remember Tiger and I had an amazing night together. When the parents came in and held my hand and told me, I couldn’t even process it because I was too physically injured. I looked like a mummy.”
Quigley balances gratitude for being alive with mourning his best friend, saying he is “blessed” and that Jack Bech-Tiger’s brother who plays for the Las Vegas Raiders-has returned to Philadelphia this year.
> Ryan Quigley
>
> “While it’s the worst thing that could’ve possibly happened, I’m blessed to be in the position I’m in and to have Jack come back here this year.”
Eagles and Family Tribute
In December, Quigley attended a tailgate event at Lincoln Financial Field in honor of Tiger and wore a jersey that paid tribute to both Tiger and Jack. The Philadelphia Eagles provided him tickets to the Super Bowl in February and gave him a Super Bowl ring in a frame after they defeated the Kansas City Chiefs.
> Saquon Barkley
>
> “Every time you see him he has a smile on his face. He brings a bright light to every single room. Everything happens for a reason and I feel like his story is here to inspire others and he’s doing a really good job with that.”
As the one-year anniversary approaches, Quigley prepares mentally and emotionally, expressing fear of losing his feelings but determination to keep Tiger proud.
> Ryan Quigley
>
> “I’m scared how I’m going to be. I feel like I’ve almost lost the ability to have feelings right now. And I think it’s going to take a long time but you know I’m just here to make him proud.”
| Event | Date | Key Detail |
|---|---|---|
| Truck attack | January 1 2025 | 15 dead, Tiger Bech killed |
| Quigley interview | January 2026 | Recovery update |
| Eagles Super Bowl support | February 2026 | Tickets and ring |
Key Takeaways
- 15 people lost their lives in the New Year’s truck attack, including Tiger Bech.
- Ryan Quigley is healing and honoring his friend’s memory while receiving support from the Eagles and Raiders.
- Community tribute and personal resilience keep Tiger’s legacy alive.
A year after the tragedy, Quigley’s story reminds us of the power of friendship, faith, and collective support in the face of loss.
