NEW ORLEANS — For Ryan Quigley, a night out in Louisiana marked a memorable occasion, shared with his friend Tiger Bech, a local native. Eager to ring in the new year, they explored the vibrant city, starting with a meal at a chicken restaurant, where they struck up conversations with some young women during their stroll. Unfortunately, these carefree moments would soon be overshadowed by a tragic event.
As Quigley recalled, his life dramatically changed when a speeding pickup truck came barreling towards him. “I remember walking toward where the truck was coming, but looking at her, that’s why I didn’t see the truck coming. I was looking at her,” he said. In an instant, everything changed; he woke up in the hospital, only to learn of the devastation that surrounded him and that his close friend, Tiger Bech, had lost his life in the attack.
“This was my first night in New Orleans,” Quigley reflected from his hospital bed. “And it would definitely be my last. I don’t want to go back and explore the city.” Weeks after the horrific incident, which also claimed the lives of 14 others and injured many more, Quigley prepared to return to New Orleans, this time for the Super Bowl, thanks to tickets gifted by the Philadelphia Eagles, his favorite team. He posted pictures on social media holding boarding passes, wearing an Eagles jersey while having his right leg in a brace, a testament to his harrowing experience.
Quigley opened up about the numerous injuries he sustained that night. He suffered a torn ACL, a torn meniscus, a broken nose, facial lacerations, and more. His rehabilitation process has involved countless hours at medical appointments and daily rigorous rehab sessions, leaning on a wheelchair and later crutches. “I’ve been just a complete mess,” he admitted.
The emotional weight of losing Bech often hits hardest during quiet moments. Rushed to the hospital, Bech managed to hold on long enough for his family to say goodbye through video calls before succumbing to his injuries. “It’s just starting to hit me mentally,” Quigley expressed. The initial weeks had been consumed with physical pain, but as time has passed, the grief has become overwhelming.
Despite the sorrow, Quigley holds tightly to the promise he made to Bech — that they would attend a Super Bowl together the next time the Eagles made it. This year, that opportunity has arrived as the Eagles gear up to face the Kansas City Chiefs in New Orleans. Initially hesitant about returning to the city after the traumatic event, Quigley found a renewed sense of purpose through his team’s remarkable run.
The Eagles organization became aware of Quigley’s situation, with players sending messages of support during his recovery. He later attended a playoff game and even had the chance to tour the Eagles’ headquarters. The team presented Quigley with two tickets for the Super Bowl, motivating him to honor his commitment to Bech by making the trip. “We’ll take our power back from this evil man that acted upon us,” Quigley stated.
Eagles defensive end Brandon Graham praised Quigley’s resilience and dedication to his late friend. “We kind of want him to look at New Orleans in a better light,” Graham shared. “But now he’s like, you know, I’ve got to overcome it. Hopefully, we can make that much more special with a win.”
As he continues to recover, Quigley has found solace living with Bech’s sister and her fiancé. The support from their presence is invaluable during this difficult time. Together, they plan to travel to New Orleans, dressed in custom Eagles jerseys emblazoned with “Bech” and “7” in tribute to his Princeton jersey number.
Coming back to New Orleans is a cautious step for Quigley, but he carries a heart full of gratitude for life and the hope that a victory could bring a reason to smile again. “I have no doubt they’re going to win,” he affirmed, “and win it for Tiger.”
