BRIGHTON, IL — The town of Brighton is mourning the devastating loss of one of its own, Eric Ottwell, who tragically passed away in a fatal motorcycle accident on the night of his birthday. The heartbreaking incident has left a deep void in the hearts of those who knew and loved him, as the community struggles to come to terms with the sudden death of a man who meant so much to so many.
Eric Ottwell, a beloved resident of Brighton and a proud graduate of East Alton-Wood River High School, lived a life defined by service, sacrifice, and unwavering love for his family. A disabled veteran, Eric carried with him the experiences and burdens of military service, but also the fierce camaraderie and resilience that shaped him into the dependable, kind-hearted person his friends and family knew so well.
His tragic passing came while doing something he loved—riding his motorcycle—on a day meant to celebrate his life. The accident, which occurred late in the evening, has been described by loved ones as a cruel and deeply saddening twist of fate. The details surrounding the crash remain under investigation, but what remains certain is the profound impact Eric’s life had on the people around him.
Eric was known throughout the community as a man of strength, loyalty, and deep compassion. Whether it was offering a helping hand to a neighbor, cracking a joke to brighten someone’s day, or showing up to support a friend in need, Eric lived a life rooted in kindness and generosity. Those closest to him speak of a man who always put others before himself—especially when it came to his greatest pride and joy: his two children, Noel and Eric Jr.
Both Noel and Eric Jr. are graduates of Southwestern High School, and were raised with the values their father exemplified—integrity, resilience, and the courage to follow their dreams. Eric’s daughter, Noel, is preparing to begin nursing school at Southern Illinois University Edwardsville (SIUE) this fall, a career path inspired by her father’s selfless spirit and deep care for others. Her journey toward a life of healing and service stands as a powerful reflection of the man who raised her.
The Brighton community has rallied in the wake of Eric’s passing, with tributes pouring in on social media from friends, classmates, fellow veterans, and neighbors. Many remember Eric as a constant presence at local events, a friendly face in the neighborhood, and someone who always greeted others with warmth and sincerity.
“He was the kind of guy you could always count on,” one friend wrote. “Whether you needed help fixing something, someone to talk to, or just a good laugh—Eric was there. He was more than a veteran, more than a father—he was the kind of person who made you feel like you mattered.”
Eric’s passing is not just a loss for his family, but for an entire town that had the privilege of knowing him. His legacy will live on through his children, through the lives he touched, and through the strength of the community he helped build.
A memorial service is expected to be announced in the coming days, where family, friends, and members of the public will be able to gather, remember, and celebrate the life of a man who gave so much and asked for so little in return.
Rest in peace, Eric Ottwell.
A father. A veteran. A friend. A hero.
You may be gone from our sight, but you will never be gone from our hearts.