ESPN star Marty Smith broke down in tears on live television moments before Ohio State's game against Notre Dame.
The two teams faced off at Mercedes-Benz Stadium, Atlanta, in the College Football Playoff final.
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Smith was reporting for College GameDay just moments before the expected showdown began.
He was talking about the horrific death of Tiger Peak, who was only 27 years old.
The former Princeton football player was one of 14 people killed during the terrorist attack in New Orleans on New Year's Day.
In one of the essays Smith told the amazing story of the life of Beck, who was a beloved son and brother.
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He then went on a live television segment, where he was overcome with emotion about the tragic loss of life.
“In the chaos following the terrorist attack on Bourbon Street that claimed the lives of 14 innocent people,” he began.
“The Peck family told me they were misinformed that Tiger had saved someone's life that evening.
“They received that information from the authorities and other sources.
“They now know that this was inaccurate information.
“They asked me to make sure that anything related to Tiger that evening on Bourbon Street was properly represented this evening.
“They also told me that the FBI told them that Tiger never saw that truck coming.
“Although he lived a little longer after his injury, it is hoped that he did not suffer.
“And it gives them some semblance of peace throughout this terrible moment for the Beach family.
“I've spent a lot of time listening to Freebird this week, my friends, and I'll tell you, the last two lines of the first verse.”
Conference tournament schedule
NFC Championship Game
Washington leaders at Philadelphia Eagles (FOX)
Sunday, January 26, at 3 p.m. ET
Asian Championship match
Buffalo Bills at Kansas City Chiefs (CBS)
Sunday, January 26, at 6:30 PM ET
Smith then paused, unable to get the words out, looking upset and emotional.
He continued: “The tiger had to move on, and he had to see more.”
“More College GameDay to come…”
Viewers flocked to social media to pay tribute to Smith with love for the way he reported the heartbreaking story.
One said: “This part of the match day got all the emotions going.
“Rarely do you see something that brings someone like Marty Smith to the brink of tears.”
Another added: “Marty Smith is a real human being.”
