ESPN star Marty Smith broke down in tears on live TV moments before Ohio State against Notre Dame.
The two sides faced off at the Mercedes-Benz Stadium, Atlanta, in the College Football Playoff final.
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Smith was reporting for College GameDay just moments before the start of the anticipated showdown.
He was talking about the devastating death of Tiger Bech, who was just 27-years-old.
The former Princeton football player was one of 14 killed during the New Orleans terror attack on New Year’s Day.
In a feature, narrated by Smith, he told the incredible story of Bech’s life, who was a beloved son and brother.
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He then came into a live TV segment, where was overcome with emotion about the tragic loss of life.
“In the chaotic after of the Bourbon Street terrorist attack that claimed 14 innocent lives,” he started.
“The Bech family told me they received misinformation that Tiger had saved someone’s life that evening.
“They received that information from authorities and other sources.
“They now know that was inaccurate information.
“They did tell me to please make sure that anything that had to do with Tiger that evening on Bourbon Street was properly represented this evening.
“They also told me the FBI informed them that Tiger never saw that truck coming.
“That, although he did live for a bit longer after he was hit, that hopefully, he did not suffer.
“That does give them some semblance of peace throughout this awful moment for the Bech family.
“I’ve spent a lot of time listening to Freebird this week my friends, and I will tell you, those last couple of lines of that first stanza “
Conference championship schedule
NFC Championship Game
Washington Commanders at Philadelphia Eagles (Fox)
Sunday 26 January, 3 pm ET
AFC Championship Game
Buffalo Bills at Kansas City Chiefs (CBS)
Sunday 26 January, 6.30 pm ET
Smith then stopped, unable to get the words out, visibly upset and overcome with emotion.
“Tiger had to be moving on, there was more he had to see,” he continued.
“More College GameDay ahead…”
Viewers flocked to social media to praise Smith with love on how he reported the heartbreaking story.
One said: “That segment on gameday hit all the feels.
“Rarely do you see something move someone like Marty Smith to the verge of tears.”
Another added: “Marty Smith is such a genuine human being.”
