8-K
Originclear, Inc. (OCLN)
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UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION Washington, D.C. 20549
FORM 8-K
CURRENT REPORT
Pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934
Date of report (Date of earliest event reported): May 11, 2026
OriginClear, Inc.
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)
Nevada
(State or other jurisdiction of incorporation)
| 333-147980 | 26-0287664 |
|---|---|
| (Commission File Number) | (IRS Employer Identification No.) |
600 Cleveland St, Suite 307
Clearwater, FL 33755
(Address of principal executive offices) (Zip Code)
Registrant’s telephone number, including area code: (727) 761-1630
(Former name or former address, if changed since last report)
Check the appropriate box below if the Form 8-K filing is intended to simultaneously satisfy the filing obligation of the registrant under any of the following provisions:
| ☐ | Written communications pursuant to Rule 425 under the Securities Act (17 CFR 230.425) |
|---|---|
| ☐ | Soliciting material pursuant to Rule 14a-12 under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.14a-12) |
| --- | --- |
| ☐ | Pre-commencement communications pursuant to Rule 14d-2(b) under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.14d-2(b)) |
| --- | --- |
| ☐ | Pre-commencement communications pursuant to Rule 13e-4(c) under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.13e-4(c)) |
| --- | --- |
Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act: None.
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is an emerging growth company as defined in as defined in Rule 405 of the Securities Act of 1933 (§230.405 of this chapter) or Rule 12b2 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (§240.12b2 of this chapter).
Emerging growth company ☐
If an emerging growth company, indicate by check mark if the registrant has elected not to use the extended transition period for complying with any new or revised financial accounting standards provided pursuant to Section 13(a) of the Exchange Act. ☐
Item 8.01****Other Events
On May 11, 2026, OriginClear, Inc., a Nevada corporation (OCLN) issued a shareholder release regarding the recent death of Riggs Eckelberry, the company’s Chief Executive Officer and Chairman of the Board of Directors and the company’s plan moving forward. A copy of the press release is attached as Exhibit 99.1 and incorporated herein by reference.
| Item 9.01 | Financial Statements and Exhibits. |
|---|
The following exhibits are being filed herewith:
| Exhibit<br>Number | Description of Exhibit |
|---|---|
| 99.1 | Release dated May 11, 2026. |
| 104 | Cover Page Interactive Data File (embedded with the Inline XRBL document). |
SIGNATURES
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned hereunto duly authorized.
| ORIGINCLEAR, INC. | ||
|---|---|---|
| May 13, 2026 | By: | /s/ Cory Mertes |
| Name: Cory Mertes<br>Title: Interim Chief Executive Officer |
Dear Valued Shareholders, Partners, and Friends,
As you are aware, we are deeply saddened by the recent loss of our leader and visionary, Riggs Eckelberry. His passing was a tragedy, and we extend our deepest condolences to his wife and family. Riggs was a brilliant, passionate, and inspirational leader whose presence within OriginClear (the "Company") will be greatly missed.
Cory Mertes, the Company's Chief Financial Officer and member of the Board of Directors, will serve as interim Chief Executive Officer.
Considering Riggs's passing and the current position of the Company, the Company’s Board of Directors has deemed it advisable to take a series of actions designed to address current obligations, protect shareholders, and preserve value. These actions include a consolidation of the Company's equity capitalization, a conversion of debt and preferred equity, liquidation of certain assets, and positioning the Company for investment or acquisition, as a seasoned public entity.
As part of these efforts, we are working with the Company's counsel to transition OriginClear shareholders into a more direct ownership position in Water on Demand, Inc., a revenue-generating operating company affiliated with OriginClear. This transition is intended to provide shareholders with additional opportunities to participate in the future of Water on Demand. We anticipate a series of shareholder communications over the coming weeks with further details.
Thank you for your patience and continued trust in the OriginClear team and vision.
Sincerely,
OriginClear Board of Directors