BRIGHTON, IL — The Brighton community is mourning the sudden loss of Eric Ottwell, a beloved father, friend, and disabled veteran who tragically passed away in a motorcycle accident on the night of his birthday.
The accident has left a deep void not only in the lives of Eric’s family but also among the many friends and neighbors who knew him as a man of unwavering character and generosity. He was 41 years old.
A Life of Dedication and Strength
Eric Ottwell was more than a motorcycle enthusiast—he was a devoted father of two, a former servicemember, and a person whose life was grounded in loyalty, resilience, and compassion. Friends and family describe him as someone who never hesitated to lend a helping hand, whether it was to change a tire on the side of the road or offer a word of encouragement to someone going through hard times.
Lillian Cambron, a close family friend, is organizing a GoFundMe campaign to help support Eric’s children, Noel and Eric Jr., both recent graduates of Southwestern High School.
“Eric was a good man—honest, strong, and loving,” said Cambron. “He lived for his kids and never missed an opportunity to show how proud he was of them. His death is a tragic loss, and we want to ensure his children are supported as they move forward in life.”
A Father’s Legacy
Eric Ottwell’s greatest pride was in being a father. He raised Noel and Eric Jr. with devotion and care, always placing their needs above his own. He was known for attending school events, football games, and award ceremonies—always with a smile and quiet pride in their accomplishments.
His daughter Noel is set to begin her college journey this fall at Southern Illinois University Edwardsville, where she has enrolled in the nursing program. Cambron noted that Noel’s compassionate spirit and desire to help others is a direct reflection of her father’s influence.
“Eric worked so hard to make sure his kids had every opportunity,” Cambron said. “He was their biggest supporter.”
Remembered for His Loyalty and Generosity
Friends describe Eric as a “loyal friend to the end,” someone you could count on no matter what. He was known for showing up—whether that meant helping someone move, working on a friend’s car, or sitting down to talk during hard times.
“He wasn’t flashy or loud, but he had a quiet strength that made you feel safe,” said one longtime friend. “You always knew Eric would be there for you.”
Eric’s passion for motorcycles was well known in the Brighton area. Riding was more than just a hobby—it was a source of freedom and peace for him, especially after navigating the challenges that came with life after military service.
Community Support & GoFundMe Effort
In the wake of his passing, community members are rallying around Noel and Eric Jr., with a GoFundMe established to help cover educational expenses, living costs, and other needs the children may face without their father’s support.
“We’re asking everyone who knew Eric or was touched by his kindness to consider donating, no matter how small,” Cambron said. “This is about honoring his memory and making sure his kids are okay.”
The GoFundMe page highlights Eric’s dedication as a father and notes that “helping his kids now is the best way to carry forward the love and stability he worked so hard to give them.”
As of this writing, the fundraiser is gaining momentum, with dozens of donations and heartfelt messages pouring in from friends, neighbors, and even strangers moved by the family’s story.
Final Reflections
While Eric Ottwell may no longer be physically present, the impact of his life is still felt deeply by those who loved him. His children, friends, and community remember a man whose greatest accomplishments were not medals or titles, but the lives he touched through quiet kindness and unconditional love.
In a time of sorrow, the Brighton community is showing up—as Eric would have—for his children. And in doing so, they’re honoring a legacy of love, strength, and loyalty that will not be forgotten.
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