Brett Allen Cain, a gentle giant with a tender heart that entertained music fans up and down the East Coast, Southern California, and his beloved Ohio Valley passed away from cardiac arrest at 7:26 PM on Wednesday, June 9, 2021. He was 43 years old.
Brett was born in Steubenville, OH on July 14, 1977, to Terry Lee and Deborah Williamson Cain. He grew up in Weirton, WV, and Colliers, WV, and was a 1995 graduate of Brooke High School.
Friends said their final goodbyes to Brett on June 13 at the Greco Hertnick Funeral Home in Weirton, and he was laid to rest at the Chapel Hill Memorial Gardens.
His passing was the end of a long battle that involved diabetes, his size, and his family’s health history.
“Brett was fine during his 30s while he was living in California, but for family reasons, he came home and had been here for about five years before his passing,” said close friend Jon Banco. “Singing just originals is a tough thing to do around here, but that’s what Brett did. People like to hear songs they know, and through the years people have come to know his songs.
“We lost a lot when we lost Brett,” he said. “He was most definitely one of the most talented performers I’ve ever known. He was one of kind. We’ll never see another Brett Cain.”
Type 2
Brett revealed earlier this year that a pebble that found its way into his boot then found its way into the heal of his left foot.
The wound, because he had suffered from Type 2 diabetes for more than 15 years, led to infections that eventually put him into a two-week coma in Morgantown.
“I’ll be honest, I didn’t know if I would talk to him again,” Banco said. “Brett was a big dude. He was like 6-9 and 400 pounds, and the last few years of his life he needed a lot of help getting around. He wasn’t in great shape for sure.
“Once he woke up out of the coma, I know he was determined to get back into what he called ‘playing shape,’ but with the pandemic, he had to stay home,” he continued. “I know he wanted to get out there again. He wanted to play. He did some shows on Facebook, but Brett really loved playing in front of an audience. That’s why he did it.”
And likely why Brett posted this message before his passing:
“I want to tell all of the people who used to come see me play thank you for all of the prayers because I would have never made it this far without them. I wouldn’t have woken up from that coma without them. Trust me, folks. I am doing everything I can so I can get back to normal and start rocking this Valley again.
“When that happens, it’s going to be emotional for sure. I’m sure I’ll get choked up and shed some tears, but they will be happy tears for sure, and I just can’t wait. I love you all. Thank you so very much. God bless you all.”
“Brett wasn’t just the most talented, but he was one of the nicest, most genuine people I’ve ever met,” Banco said. “I miss my friend, and I know I’m not the only one who feels that way.”
