Ryan Quigley, 26, of Lansdale. (Credit: https://goprincetontigers.com/sports/football)
Lansdale Catholic High School alum and former football standout Ryan Quigley paid a visit to his alma mater Tuesday to speak to students about his experience as a survivor of the January 1, 2025 New Orleans terrorist attack.
“I’m blessed to be here, to be alive, to share my story and give a glimpse of what I’m experiencing,” said Quigley.
A class of 2016 Lansdale Catholic graduate who went on to play football at Princeton, Quigley sustained significant injuries to his face, back and right leg in the attack. The incident occurred when a driver plowed a pickup truck into a crowd of people celebrating New Year’s Day on Bourbon Street, resulting in 14 deaths and at least 57 injuries.
One of the fatalities was Quigley’s best friend and Princeton teammate Tiger Bech.
“It’s tough. I’m balancing losing my favorite person in the world but also being super grateful that I get to live, so it’s been a roller coaster,” said Quigley. “I don’t think I’ll ever come to terms with losing Tiger.”
In the wake of Bech’s passing, Quigley decided to turn his grief into action, he said, sharing Bech’s story and the lessons he has drawn from the attack to help make a difference.
“I thought about how I can have an impact on others and help others look at life a little differently,” said Quigley. “That’s the mindset I’ve taken: I’m gonna get out there, get back to work, continue to make Tiger proud, continue to make myself proud. I’m gonna move forward because that’s what he would want.”
‘Live in the now’
Since the incident, Quigley said he has developed a deeper sense of gratitude and appreciation for the small things in life. He encouraged students to seize the day and take full advantage of their opportunities.
“The message I’m trying to convey is take advantage of this moment,” said Quigley. “Don’t live with regrets. Think about your future, but don’t lose sight of the gifts that God and your friends and family are giving you. Truly live in the now.”
Quigley currently undergoes two hours of physical therapy per day, with the determination to make a full recovery. In February, despite vowing to never return to New Orleans, he flew to the city to attend the Super Bowl on the invitation of Philadelphia Eagles player Brandon Graham. ESPN later aired a segment about Quigley’s friendship with Bech.
“I knew Tiger would want me to be there,” said Quigley. “If I didn’t go back and take my power back and spread love and joy with friends at one of the best events in the world, then evil would win.”
‘Blessed to be here’
Quigley expressed immense pride at returning to his alma mater, where he was a two-time MVP of the Philadelphia Catholic Football League and two-time first-team All-Catholic League. He also helped lead the Lansdale Catholic Crusaders to the PCL Championship game.
“I’m proud to be here and see the same uniform I wore,” said Quigley. “I had a second chance at life. I’m very grateful for it. I’m blessed to be here, to be speaking to all of you guys.”
In addition to Quigley’s address, students heard a presentation on mental health from Brandon Saho, a former sports reporter turned mental health advocate.
Saho spoke at length about his struggles with depression and suicidal ideation as a teenager and young adult. He now hosts a podcast called “The Mental Game” with the aim of breaking the stigma around mental health.
