A former Princeton University wide receiver, a devoted father of two, and a recent high school graduate were among the victims identified by their families in the truck attack that occurred on Wednesday in New Orleans.

The attack, which took place on Bourbon Street during New Year’s celebrations, claimed at least 15 lives and left more than 30 others injured. Authorities stated that the 42-year-old suspect, a U.S. citizen from Texas, drove a pickup truck into the crowd and opened fire on responding officers before being killed. The FBI confirmed the discovery of an Islamic State group flag in the vehicle and is investigating possible terrorist connections.

While the New Orleans Police Department and the Orleans Parish Coroner's Office have yet to release the names of all the victims, families have identified some individuals.

Martin "Tiger" Bech, 27
Martin “Tiger” Bech, a 27-year-old Princeton University graduate, was killed, his mother Michelle Bech confirmed. Bech, a standout wide receiver and punt returner at Princeton, had been living in New York City and working as a junior bond trader. He was with a friend on Bourbon Street when the truck struck, and although his friend survived, Bech later died in the hospital. Michelle Bech was able to say her final goodbyes.

"He was living his best life, and he knew it," Michelle Bech said. "It just leaves a huge void in our life." Tiger was also a passionate supporter of his younger brother, Jack Bech, a wide receiver at Texas Christian University preparing for the NFL draft. Jack posted a heartfelt tribute on social media, expressing his love and promising to carry on in Tiger's memory.

Princeton’s athletic department praised Bech, describing him as a fierce competitor, beloved teammate, and caring friend. Head football coach Bob Surace fondly recalled their last conversation about Tiger’s achievements and growth during his time at Princeton.

Bech was part of the 2016 and 2018 Ivy League championship teams and earned two All-Ivy honors as a return specialist, including second-team accolades in 2018, when Princeton went undefeated for the first time since 1964. He also had 53 catches for 825 yards and three touchdowns.

Reggie Hunter, 37
Reggie Hunter, a 37-year-old from Baton Rouge, was another victim, his cousin Shirell Jackson reported. Hunter, a warehouse manager, was described by Jackson as a "little-bitty guy" with a "big heart" who adored his children. He was with another cousin who survived the attack, and Jackson rushed to the hospital, where Hunter was pronounced dead.

Jackson expressed sorrow over the profound impact of the attack on so many lives, saying, "Whether it was a terrorist or Joe Blow ... from whatever, Louisiana, what they done was horrible. They devastated so many lives."

Ni'Kyra Cheyenne Dedeaux
Ni'Kyra Cheyenne Dedeaux, a recent high school graduate, was also among the victims. Her grandmother, Jennifer Smith, confirmed her death, and her mother Melissa Dedeaux shared the heartbreaking news on Facebook, urging others to heed their parents' warnings. "When your parents say don’t go anywhere please listen to them…this was an act of terrorism and now my baby is gone," Melissa Dedeaux wrote, sharing a photo of her daughter in her red graduation cap and gown.

The loss of these three individuals, alongside the many others impacted by the attack, has left a lasting emotional toll on the families and the community.