OAK PARK, IL — The community of River Forest, Illinois, is mourning the loss of Eddie Sitzmann, an inspiring 18-year-old student from Oak Park and River Forest High School, who passed away on Tuesday, July 15, 2025. Eddie was a passionate advocate for individuals with Down syndrome, and his death has left a profound impact on his family, friends, teachers, and the entire community.

A Life Filled with Purpose, Joy, and Advocacy

Eddie Sitzmann was not just a student but a beacon of light to everyone who knew him. His infectious spirit, tireless dedication, and unshakable compassion for others made him a beloved figure in the River Forest community. Throughout his life, Eddie was a shining example of inclusion, kindness, and resilience. His presence in his school, community, and family was one of unwavering support and love for those around him.

Whether he was helping to manage the varsity soccer team, ushering at Sunday Mass, or feeding pets in his neighborhood, Eddie made sure to leave a lasting impression wherever he went. His passion for service and dedication to others were constants in his life, as he devoted his energy to uplifting the people and causes that mattered most to him.

Championing Inclusion and Advocacy

Eddie’s journey with Special Olympics Illinois began at a young age, and he quickly discovered his passion for athletics. His natural drive and enthusiasm made him a standout participant in a variety of sports, including unified soccer, basketball, and swimming. His love for competition was matched by his drive to create opportunities for others, advocating for inclusion and respect for people with disabilities.

Through his involvement in Special Olympics, Eddie participated in state-level competitions, where he showcased not only his athleticism but also his joyful spirit and commitment to breaking down barriers. He was deeply involved in advocacy campaigns like “Spread the Word to End the Word,” where he passionately shared the message of respect, unity, and kindness. Eddie’s personal motto, “Respect is My Superpower,” resonated deeply with everyone who heard it, as it reflected his belief that true strength comes from understanding and valuing others for who they are.

Eddie’s advocacy work went beyond just his participation in sports. He tirelessly worked to raise awareness about the importance of inclusion in all aspects of life. Whether through speaking at events or simply living as an example of kindness and empathy, Eddie helped educate his peers and the broader community on the power of acceptance and support for individuals with Down syndrome.

A Beacon of Light in His Community

Eddie’s love for his community was at the core of who he was. He believed in the power of connection, compassion, and kindness, and his actions spoke louder than words. Whether it was assisting others in his neighborhood or standing up for the rights of those with disabilities, Eddie’s presence reminded everyone around him of the importance of leading with love and understanding.

At Oak Park and River Forest High School, Eddie was a beloved student, cherished by his classmates and teachers alike. His classmates describe him as someone who always had a smile on his face and a helping hand to offer, whether it was supporting his friends in sports or offering encouragement to those around him. His teachers remember Eddie as a dedicated and hardworking student who never hesitated to support his classmates, showing kindness and dedication in everything he did.

Eddie’s passion for life was evident in the way he approached everything, from his studies to his extracurricular activities. His dedication to bettering himself and those around him inspired his peers to live with purpose, and his example will continue to influence them long after his passing.

A Family’s Loss and Community’s Grief

The sudden passing of Eddie has left his family and friends devastated. He was a son, brother, and a friend, and his death has left a hole in the hearts of all who knew him. His family, who had been a constant support system for Eddie throughout his life, is now navigating the overwhelming grief of losing their beloved son and brother.

Despite the profound sadness that has gripped his family and the wider community, Eddie’s memory will live on in the hearts of all those he touched. His legacy of kindness, perseverance, and advocacy for inclusion will continue to inspire others to lead with compassion and love, just as Eddie did every day of his life.

In honor of Eddie’s life and the way he touched so many lives, his family has announced that funeral arrangements will be shared in the coming days. A visitation date will be announced soon, and the community is invited to come together to remember and celebrate the life of this remarkable young man.

Remembering Eddie: A Celebration of Life

Eddie Sitzmann’s death, though a heartbreaking loss for his family and community, also serves as a reminder of the impact one individual can have on the world. Eddie lived his life with a clear mission: to spread kindness, advocate for those with disabilities, and to build an inclusive and welcoming community. His life was filled with purpose, and he was a role model for how to live with compassion, joy, and determination.

As friends, family, and the community remember Eddie, they are not just mourning the loss of a young man who left too soon, but also celebrating a life well-lived. Eddie’s contributions to his community, his advocacy work, and his passion for inclusion will continue to inspire those who knew him. His legacy will endure, reminding everyone of the power of love, acceptance, and respect.

Legacy of Advocacy and Inclusion

In the coming years, Eddie’s influence will continue to reverberate throughout his community and beyond. His work as an advocate for individuals with Down syndrome will serve as a lasting testament to the importance of inclusion and equality. The campaigns he championed, particularly “Spread the Word to End the Word,” will continue to inspire efforts to create a world where individuals of all abilities are respected and valued.

Additionally, his impact on the Special Olympics and his commitment to athleticism for individuals with disabilities will remain a defining part of his legacy. Eddie showed the world that everyone, regardless of their abilities, deserves a chance to participate, compete, and thrive.

A Community United in Grief and Support

In the wake of Eddie’s passing, the River Forest and Oak Park communities are coming together to support his family and honor his life. Local organizations, schools, and individuals have expressed their sorrow and offered their condolences to Eddie’s family. Many are also working to establish memorials and fundraisers in his honor, ensuring that his legacy of kindness and advocacy lives on.

As the community rallies together, it is clear that Eddie’s impact was not just felt in the Pierz and River Forest areas but across the entire region. His life serves as a beacon of hope, reminding everyone that regardless of the challenges we face, we all have the ability to make a positive difference in the world around us.

Conclusion: A Legacy of Kindness, Inclusion, and Advocacy

The death of Eddie Sitzmann is a tragic loss, but his legacy of love, kindness, and advocacy will continue to inspire future generations. Eddie’s passion for inclusion and his ability to bring people together around the values of respect and compassion will live on in the hearts of his family, friends, and everyone who knew him.

As the community continues to mourn, they also reflect on the lessons Eddie taught through his actions — that true strength comes from embracing diversity, showing kindness, and advocating for others. In honoring Eddie, his community ensures that his influence will be felt for years to come, reminding everyone of the profound impact one individual can have on the world.

Rest in peace, Eddie Sitzmann. Your legacy will continue to guide and inspire us all.