This is in response to the many speculative messages I have read. I am Eric's Mom and have been in close contact with the Medical Examiner. First of all, it takes 12 weeks to get the autopsy report in San Antonio and no one gave me a clear reason for the time frame but this is a fact. Secondly, an infection in a tooth can go to the lining of the heart and cause death. It doesn't always happen, but it can. I personally have a heart condition that requires pre-medication before my teeth are even cleaned and this is not an especially rare condition-another fact. Those of you that seem to have some time on your hands can make a couple of phone calls to the ME, a good dentist or even do some research on the internet and confirm these facts. Amanda was 7 weeks pregnant but miscarried - another fact. I was able to go to most of Eric's competitions and met many many of his bodybuilder friends and acquaintances. I am sure most of you are really great people but perhaps a little more compassion and less judgment (particularly when you don't have all the facts) at this point in time would be something a really big person would do. Our family has lost a significant member and, as a mother, my heart has a hole bigger than Texas. Eric left a big brother, David, and sister-in-law, Debbie, a very special niece that any of you who truly knew Eric would know about and that is Melissa; another niece, Katie, and a sister, Marcella. We are all trying to accept and deal with this pain. Please put yourselves in our place for a moment and try to focus on the good things you truly knew about my son. Some of you didn't even know him and yet you make statements as though you did. Maybe you could leave speculation and unkind comments for something else and some other time. Some of you sound like honest smart people and others come across as nothing more than know it all smart asses. I am not naiive and I understand the steroids and other drugs that play a part in the bodybuilding world. But don't you think that discussion could be in general terms without needlessly smearing my son's memory? Maybe it would be constructive if all of you that know so much tried to do something to clean up the world of bodybuilding? Eric was a very positive person and I know that he would think trash talk was a big waste of time. If you really knew Eric, please remember the positive things about him and if you didn't know him, perhaps you need to keep your mouth shut and find another outlet for your negative thoughts.
Thanks for listening. If anyone has sincere questions or comments, please let me know. I'll be happy to provide factual information.
Mel Otero
Eric Otero's Mom
