Princeton, Chestnut Hill College grads among victims of New Orleans terror attack
A former Princeton University football player and a former Chestnut Hill College lacrosse player were among those killed in a suspected terrorist attack in New Orleans on New Year's Day. A second former Princeton player was among those hospitalized.
At least 15 people were killed after police say a man intentionally drove a rented pick-up truck into a crowd on Bourbon Street. The attacker was among the dead.
Tiger Bech killed in attack
Tiger Bech, an All-Ivy League kick returner and receiver from 2017-19 at Princeton, was among the 15 people killed in the attack, his mother Michelle confirmed to CBS News. The 27-year-old was a graduate of St. Thomas More Catholic High School in Lafayette, Louisiana.
Princeton football head coach Bob Surace said Bech was a "Tiger" in every way — a ferocious competitor with endless energy, a beloved teammate and a caring friend.
Bech lived in New York and worked as a junior trader.
"Tiger was a vivacious, incredibly giving human being, colleague, friend. We are all devastated by this senseless loss," Bech's colleague Lisa Lieberman said.
Ryan Quigley released from hospital
Among those injured in the New Orleans attack was another former Princeton Tiger football player, Ryan Quigley.
Quigley went to high school at Lansdale Catholic in Montgomery County and graduated from Princeton University in 2020. Family friends say Quigley was in New Orleans celebrating the new year with Bech, who was his best friend when the attack happened.
"The overwhelming support and gratitude from the community around Ryan is greatly appreciated," Ryan's mom, Kelley Quigley, told CBS News Philadelphia. "We thank you for all of your thoughts, prayers and concerns."
"Ryan's a special kid, love him, and the Quigleys are great," said Chris Salfi, a longtime neighbor of the Quigleys.
Rich Marino, Quigley's former coach, said Quigley is "a very family-oriented kid, very community-oriented kid, very loyal to his schools and his community."
Kelley Quigley told CBS News Philadelphia that her son was released from the hospital Friday.
"He's banged up, has a broken leg. He's physically hurting, but he's a tough kid. He'll rebound from that. But mentally … losing his best friend is going to be tough," Marino said.
"The Lansdale Catholic Community is praying for the full and complete healing of Ryan Quigley, Lansdale Catholic Class of 2016 and Princeton University Class of 2020," Meghan Callen, the president of Lansdale Catholic, said in a statement. "We are incredibly proud to count Ryan among our graduates, and we pray for him and the Quigley family and all of the victims of this senseless tragedy in New Orleans."
Billy DiMaio killed in New Orleans attack
A third victim with ties to the Philadelphia area was identified Thursday as Billy DiMaio, radio broadcasting company Audacy confirmed.
"We are heartbroken to learn of the passing of Billy DiMaio, a New York-based Account Executive, in the terrorist attack in New Orleans. Beyond his professional achievements, Billy will be fondly remembered for his unwavering work ethic, positive attitude, and kindness," the company said in a statement. "He was a true asset to the Audacy team, and his contributions and presence will be deeply missed. Our thoughts are with Billy's family and friends during this exceedingly difficult time, and we extend our deepest sympathies to them and every member of the Audacy family who had the privilege of working with him."
DiMaio is listed as a member of the Chestnut Hill College lacrosse team, where he majored in business administration and management. He graduated in 2022, the school said.
In a statement, Chestnut Hill College said, "We are devastated by the news of the passing of our alumnus Billy DiMaio '22. Billy was a leader within our community who shined not only as a star student in the classroom, but also as a top athlete, serving as a Captain on our 2022 championship Lacrosse team. Our prayers are with the entire DiMaio family at this tragic hour, as our entire College reflects upon the positive impact he had upon so many in our close community."
Audacy is the parent company of Philadelphia-based radio station KYW Newsradio.
