Jack Bech reflects on last moments with Tiger after Bourbon Street attack
(KLFY) -- The terror attack in New Orleans on New Year's Day claimed the lives of 14 people and injured dozens more. Included in those killed in the attack was Martin "Tiger" Bech, a Lafayette native.
As many in the Lafayette community took the time to remember Tiger as well show thier love and support to his family, Tiger's brother Jack Bech reflects on his final moments with his older brother.
Jack says losing his brother Tiger was the hardest day of his life, and now moving forward knowing he can't speak to him makes the days ahead even harder.
"Now, each day on will be the hardest day of my life," he said. "Just living there, knowing I can't speak to him ever again."
Tiger lost his life along with thirteen others while he was showing his best friend around the city, and the popular tourist spot Bourbon Street.
Jack says Tiger not only inspired him, but many others and described his older brother as special because he was "loved by so many people." He says Tiger always made time for the little guy and that it showed.
When he got the call about Tiger being involved in the attack, Jack said no one "thought it would end the way that it did."
He says his parents got to hospital to be with Tiger before other family members could be be there and allowed them to Facetime him.
"I truly believe he could hear us," Jack said. "His eyes were closed and he was on a machine, but I know he could hear us. God kept his heart beating for a reason, and I believe it was so that me and my family could tell him goodbye."
Jack says his brother was a fighter and "if he could have lived, he would have." He says he's going to miss his best friend because not only did he inspire him, but he inspiration for everyone around him.
Jack says the medical staff working to save Tiger says he fought to pull through, but ultimately he passed away.
"They said they did everything they possibly could, and he fought so hard," Jack said. "It just was God was calling him home to heaven."
Latest news
- Mike Johnson clinches Speakership in stunning first ballot
- Trump rips Biden for honoring Cheney, Thompson with ‘Fake Medals’
- Jack Bech reflects on last moments with Tiger after Bourbon Street attack
- Ex-employee charged after babies found with 'unexplainable fractures' at Virginia hospital
- Johnson lays out key commitments amid Speakership battle