River Jude Phoenix

River Jude Phoenix
23 August 1970 - 31 October 1993

When River Phoenix passed away at the age of 23 on 31 October 1993, he not only broke the hearts of
his family and friends - but also those of his countless fans and admirers across the world. We
were all left to wonder why, and reflect on what might have been.

River was a gentle, sensitive soul who loved everything and everybody. He had been a strict vegan
since he was a young boy - and was often seen or heard campaigning for his favourite charity, PETA -
People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals. He was also concerned about the state of the planet,
as highlighted in this quote:

"I've just bought 800 acres of forest on the border of Panama and Costa Rica. I want to buy the last
"first growth forest" and turn it into a national park. It's a human tragedy of immense proportions.
Many native Indians in that region are losing their homes daily, and it's going to affect both you
and me, because that's where most of the world's oxygen comes from. The Amazon rain forests are the
world's lungs and without them we will not be able to breath. It's a very scary thought and it's not
too far off."

He was also, of course, a highly talented and respected actor - his most memorable performance being
that of Chris Chambers in 'Stand by Me.' Throughout his acting career, River made some lasting
friendships - Sidney Poitier, Richard Harries, Harrison Ford and Dan Ackroyd - amongst others. Most
of these friends were present at the memorial service held for River, in Los Angeles a few weeks
after his passing.

Music though, was River's greatest love. He was close to sealing a recording contract for his band
- Aleka's Attic, at the time of his passing. He wrote most of the band's songs himself, and was
once asked to write a song for one of his later movies - 'The Thing Called Love.' He did write a
song - 'Lone Star State of Mine,' which he also performed in the movie.

He was a loving, caring and humble human being, who had no care for the Hollywood lifestyle - always
preferring to be at home with his family.

River was a bright, shining star who now shines down on his family, friends and fans - from Heaven.


This memorial has been created as part of angel-river.net.

http://www.angel-river.net