Father McGivney Assistant Coach, Brandon Ahring, 22, Dies In Accident Leaving His Parents Behind

Brandon's mother, Christine, went to Staunton High School and later studied Criminal Justice Sciences at Illinois State University in 1993.

April 18, 2026

This article was last updated by Manoj Gadtaula on April 18, 2026

Father McGivney’s track and field and cross country assistant coach, Brandon Ahring, died in a tragic car accident.

Born in 2002, Brandon Ahring, a distance runner from Glen Carbon, Illinois, competed for Father McGivney High School as part of the Class of 2026.

Throughout his high school career, he showcased his performance in both cross-country and track events.

During the , his personal bests included 2:11.21 in the 800-meter run and 11:39.10 in the 3200-meter run.

In cross country, he scored a best of 16:31.90 on a short course and 16:10.40 on a three-mile run.

After graduation, Father McGivney High School hired him as the track and field and cross country.

Assistant Coach Brandon Ahring Died At 22 In A Car Accident

Father McGivney assistant coach Brandon Ahring died on Wednesday, April 16, 2026, at 22 in a car accident.

As per the Illinois State Police, Ahring was driving north around 7:03 p.m. on Interstate 55 when he left the roadway and hit a light pole near Hamel. He was pronounced dead at the scene.

Father McGivney Principal Joe Lombardi wrote a letter to the school’s , saying that Ahring was returning home from track and field practice. He added,

“Brandon’s passion for the sport and love for our school brought him back to serve as an assistant coach for the past three years, working closely under the guidance of head Coach Jim Helton,” Brandon quickly grew into a confident, inspirational coach — one who made a lasting impression on our athletes through his quiet strength, encouragement, and unwavering kindness.”

Melanie Fernandez Ureta, a University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign graduate, took to her Facebook and sent prayers to Brandon’s family. She wrote,

My heart & deepest condolences go out to the Ahring family… such a tragic, senseless loss. Sending SO much love & huge hugs to you, Brett & Christine. Sending love, light & good thoughts your way and praying for strength, comfort & peace at this difficult time.

Close ones and relatives have offered their heartfelt condolences and sent prayers to Ahring’s family to stay strong in this heartbreaking moment.

Brandon will always be remembered for his unforgettable contributions to track and field and cross country as an athlete and assistant coach.

The funeral arrangements have not been announced yet. Rest in Peace, Brandon Ahring.

Brandon Ahring Is Survived By His Parents And His Brother, Tyler Ahring

Brandon Ahring’s father, Brett, and mother, Christine Osterman Ahring, are mourning the loss of their son.

According to his father Brett’s handle, he is originally from Staunton, Illinois, but lives with his family in Edwardsville, Illinois.

He attended Staunton High School and later graduated from Blackburn University. Recently, Brett uploaded a photo of Brandon on his Facebook handle as a tribute.

On the other hand, Brandon’s , Christine, went to Staunton High School and later studied Criminal Justice Sciences at Illinois State University in 1993.

Additionally, Brandon’s brother Tyler, is a senior at Father McGivney. He is on the track and field team, plays soccer, and runs across the country in the fall.

Tyler is also mourning the tragic death of his supportive brother, Brandon Ahring.

In Case You Didn’t Know

Brandon Ahring went into cardiac arrest for 12 seconds, and four chest compressions brought him back. Under superior care at Children’s Hospital, a myriad of tests revealed that his thyroid levels were out of control.
He was also diagnosed with Graves’ disease, which caused him to miss 34.5 days of his last semester at Father McGivney.
At the Collinsville Invitational, Ahring ran a respectable 2:11.21 in the 800m and a powerful leg in the 1600m relay.

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