The Father McGivney Catholic High School community in Edwardsville, Illinois is reeling from the sudden and heartbreaking loss of Brandon Ahring, a devoted assistant coach and former student, who died in a tragic car accident on April 16, 2025. Just 22 years old, Brandon was driving northbound on Interstate 55 near Hamel when his vehicle veered off the road and struck a light pole. He was pronounced dead at the scene. The Illinois State Police continue to investigate the crash.
Brandon was a 2021 graduate of Father McGivney and returned soon after to give back to the very programs that shaped him. For three years, he served as a dedicated assistant coach for the track and field and cross-country teams under head coach Jim Helton. More than a coach, Brandon was a mentor, a quiet but powerful presence who led with kindness, humility, and heart.
Principal Joe Lombardi shared how Brandon’s journey from student-athlete to coach was driven by a deep love for the sport and an even deeper love for his community. His leadership wasn’t loud or showy — it was steady, encouraging, and deeply impactful. His athletes looked up to him, not just for guidance in training but as a role model in life.
During his time as a student, Brandon competed in both track and cross-country, earning respect for his discipline and unwavering team spirit. Coaching wasn’t just a role for him — it was a heartfelt return home, especially meaningful as he had the rare opportunity to coach his younger brother, Tyler.
Tyler, currently a senior at Father McGivney, is finishing his final season with the track and field team. He also played soccer and ran cross country earlier in the year. To coach and cheer on his brother was one of Brandon’s greatest joys. The bond they shared was visible to all who knew them and added a deeply personal layer to Brandon’s coaching journey.
Brandon is survived by his loving parents, Brett and Chris Ahring, and his younger brother Tyler. The Ahring family has been a cornerstone of the school’s community, and their loss is felt deeply by students, faculty, families, and friends alike.
While funeral arrangements are yet to be announced, the school has already begun honoring Brandon’s life through prayer, reflection, and shared memories. Those who knew him speak of his gentle spirit, his generous heart, and his unwavering faith. He embodied a life of service and compassion — living the values he believed in without needing to say much.
Brandon Ahring may have left this world far too soon, but the mark he made — on the track, in the classroom, and in the hearts of everyone around him — will never be forgotten. His legacy is one of love, dedication, and quiet strength, and it will continue to echo through the lives of the students and athletes he helped shape.
