A 21-year-old man from Idaho, known for his kindness and generosity, continues to make a profound impact on the lives of others even after his untimely passing.
In Rigby, Noel Rios, who was affectionately called Titus Freeman by his friends and family, tragically lost his life on the evening of October 19, 2025. He was riding his dirt bike, a passion he had nurtured since childhood, when he collided with a truck just half a mile from his home.
"He most likely died upon impact," shared Janice Bell, Freeman's aunt, during an interview with EastIdahoNews.com. "Despite wearing a helmet and protective gear, it wasn't enough to save him."
Interestingly, just days before the accident, Freeman celebrated his 21st birthday on October 13. According to Bell, his best friend, who is in his sixties, had jokingly suggested that it was time for Freeman to obtain a 'big boy license' now that he was officially an adult.
"He took a day off work to get his new driver’s license, and while doing so, he thought to himself—and even mentioned to his mother—‘I’m an adult now; I should be a donor.’ Up until that point, he hadn’t signed up to be an organ donor," Bell explained. "After renewing his license, he made that important decision. That was on Friday, and then he was gone by Sunday."
Following the tragic accident, Freeman was quickly transported to Eastern Idaho Regional Medical Center. Unfortunately, medical staff informed his family that he would not survive. They soon discovered he had opted to be an organ donor, leading to him being moved to the intensive care unit where he was placed on life support.
On October 22, a heartfelt donor honor walk was held, where Freeman, who had been declared brain dead, was escorted to the operating room. Family, friends, co-workers, and hospital staff lined the hallways to pay their respects as he was wheeled past them.
His selfless act of becoming a donor enabled him to save the lives of seven individuals. "His heart was given to another 21-year-old boy in Utah," Bell remarked, expressing her hope that this young man will go on to achieve great things. However, details regarding the recipients of Freeman’s kidneys and lungs remain unknown.
Beyond his contributions as an organ donor, Freeman's life was characterized by his willingness to give and serve others. At the time of his passing, he was employed at Knife River in Idaho Falls, where he led a crew of workers who were significantly older than him. Bell noted that he would arrive at work by 5 a.m. each morning, ensuring that everyone’s machinery was prepped and warm for the day's tasks.
"He frequently provided lunch money and gas money for his crew," she shared. "When he passed away, they generously returned the favor by filling his front loader, which was his machine, with cash."
Born in Caldwell, Freeman had two siblings—one older and one younger. Bell reflected on his challenging upbringing but emphasized how he managed to rise above his circumstances. At the young age of 19, he made the remarkable decision to purchase a home in Rigby for his mother.
"Every parent has a favorite child, whether they admit it or not. In our family, Titus was my sister’s favorite because he loved her the most," Bell stated affectionately.
Freeman was also a talented athlete, excelling in baseball, and enjoyed hobbies such as disc golf and fishing. At just 12 years old, he demonstrated his mechanical skills by rebuilding a snowmobile, and most recently, he had been working on his truck's engine. He successfully got his truck operational the very day of his accident but never had the chance to drive it.
"He was such a good boy. He never got into trouble throughout his life," Bell recalled fondly. "He didn’t drink or party; he was typically in bed by 8 or 9 p.m. We often called him the 'old man' of the family because of his maturity."
While the loss of her nephew has been devastating for Bell, she takes pride in the lives he was able to touch and save.
"You don’t need to be religious, but if there is a God, he must have had a plan for this. It feels like part of a greater design, especially considering the beautiful, sweet nature of my nephew," she expressed.
This summer, Freeman's legacy will be honored in Utah when his name is inscribed on the Celebration of Life Monument, a memorial dedicated to both living and deceased organ donors in the Intermountain region.
What do you think about the impact of organ donation? Could you see yourself making such a choice? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
