Despite the circumstances surrounding his death, River Phoenix did not live his life in vain. He never wavered from what he believed in, and he spent much of his life striving to make Earth a better planet for us to live on. We can all learn something from him. Throughout his life, he continually taught us to stand up for our beliefs, despite anyone that may oppose us because of this. He died still teaching us, showing us that anyone can fall prey to drugs, and in his final dramatic exit, we learned that the days of drugs directly causing one's death are not over. I know enough of his life to know that he would not want us to spend each day mourning what could have been, but rather to learn from his mistakes and follow his example of making our planet better, so that one day, we may inspire others.

Nischa, Depathy@aol.com

I once had a dream with him. He was smiling at me and telling me to come with him. His face was shining and he looked so happy. I'll never forget that dream. I never heard of River until his death and then I watched Stand By Me. I don't love River for his looks but for what he was/is. A person who chose the wrong path to take. I will always look up to him. He has inspired me for one day I am going to be an actress.

I hope you've learned River. Please E-mail me.

Ivy, drstubs@epix.net

No matter what we say or do, nothing will ever bring him back. Questioning his integrity or judgement as many people have done, take away from who and what he really was. But then I guess nobody really knows who he was, or ever will. I dont think he really knew either. What I do know though, is, he was a gifted artist who was always true to his craft and always stood up for what he believed in. For that we should love and remember him and for nothing else. Anything else which has been written and said about him is insignificant.

I'll miss him forever

' have a nice day RIO'

love always - Marissa

We all know that drugs were the main cause of River Phoenix's death. However, sometimes I feel that it is the society that killed him; the society that put a burden of stress on him, which led him to take drugs to ease the pain.

It is obvious that River needed a stable father-like male, one besides his own, but perhaps what he needed most of all was a good friend his age that he could trust. A friend that would see him not as a Hollywood hunk or a talented young actor, but as a person; a friend who will always be there for him.

Before River, I used to think that people who take drugs are these messed-up junkies. At least that's what the society has taught me. However, after seeing many of River's films and reading his biographies, I now know that just because a person takes drugs, it doesn't mean that he isn't a caring, giving, and thoughtful person.

Thanks, River, for all you have done.

Remembering you now and forever with love

I didn't even know who River Phoenix was until I heard of his death. I became interested, morbid as it may seem, because of that. I was saddened to hear that it was because of drug abuse. It seems so sad that such a famous man who had so many people around him, and had every chance to have the best life, could be swayed by drugs and pressure. I hope that somewhere someone learns something from this and that it keeps someone from making the same mistake.

Elisabeth

River Phoenix was such a BABE why would he be stupid enough to mess around with drugs even when there are people everywhere that warn you about the effects that they have on you?

Angel

I fell in love with River Phoenix when his face first graced my television screen when I was nine years old. I have loved him ever since, as my walls and scrapbooks boast. He was a gifted actor and special soul. His love for the animals and the world captures me most, so I named my new kitten after him: River Blue. (River, for his name, Blue for the kittens blue eyes and the color associated with his name.)

The words to my poem, "The Eternal River" best illustrate my feelings, so if anyone cares to read it, e-mail me, Christine, at: CMGiesBrady@vax1.bemidji.msms.edu

Even though it sounds bad, I became interested in River Phoenix after his death, because of all the information that came about. Many quickly judge him because he took drugs and overdosed on them, but I beleive there was so much more to this person. He was a very deep and spiritual person who was not afraid of his feelings. I have grown because of him.

Sherri Smith

When I was eight years old, I saw Stand By Me for the first time. I then fell forever in love with River Phoenix. By age ten I had become facinated by him. River was a person full of life and emotion. He looked at things in a way that most of us don't. He was a peaceful and caring person. Debi Cohen once wrote, "Sure he's cute, but don't let that heartthrob face fool you - River Phoenix runs deep." and she was right. After his death some of the media bashed him for doing drugs. So what. So he had a fucking problem, we all have problems. It was a tragedy. Even though it's been 779 days since his death, I still miss him. I will miss him forever. I just want him to know he has made one hell of an impact in this girl's life.

I Love You River
August 23 1970 - October 31 1993
All in our Hearts

The society that we live in is a very frightening one, when a person who dies accidentally is supposed to be forgotten, while someone who commits suicide is considered a hero. This is exactly what happened with River Phoenix and Kurt Cobain. People may have been upset with what happend to River but we shouldn't forget he isn't the first and certainly won't be the last. Whereas Cobain was touted as the angry voice of a generation finally speaking out loud enough to be heard. People seem to forget he took his own life with no thought about his wife or baby daughter. Yet people still worship him. I agree with Martha Plimpton I was angry too, but I must say it wasn't unexpected. I had followed his career long enough to realize something was very wrong. I too was angry because of the attitude that was taken about his death. People would just like to forget everything about him. Well that's where they 're wrong. Instead of placing so much emphasis on his death why not try celebrating his life. He should not be made an example of for any type of political statement. He should be remembered for what he really was. A human being who was having a hard time finding out where he belonged in the world just like the rest of us. Unfortunately he chose a wrong direction, and nobody was ever able to steer him to the right one.

jl.

I really liked your page and just wanted to say that I was glad to see so many people that don't remember River Phoenix because he screwed up. He was a very talented actor, but I admire him more for the fact that he was truly a good person, and I think it's sad that so few people seem realize this.

Diana

Dear River:

I never thought it would be so hard to say goodbye to you. I just can't. I freeze at the thought. I have never met you, but it seems that I've known you for a long time. You had always been there, in some way. It may be strange but that's how I felt. When you transcended I lost a friend, an idol. Someone I was inspired by. A good and honest soul. A talent that will never be matched. You gave so much to the world who gave almost nothing back to you. You gave and never asked for something in return. That's what made you pure, beautiful.

Sometimes I think, 'why do I like you so much?'. Silly question. Liking and loving don't need a reason. But there are plenty if look for them.

I miss you every single day. Thanks for enriching my life. Thank you for respecting people for what they are. People like you make me think that human kind still has hope. You may be gone but your example and your work will live deep inside our hearts forever.

Love,
Heber Moura, hebs@brnet.com.br

I think River Phoenix was a truly beautiful person. Not just his looks but inside him too. Inside River wanted so much for the world to change. He wanted to help. I am very sad and angry that he has to leave us when he had so much potential to succeed. Why did he leave why did he do drugs when he cared so much about the earth and other people? I can't change the past but I wish I could. I found a picture of River in a magazine with a small saying on the side, it read...

River doesn't want to be a teen idol he wants to act and save the planet.

I just love that! But why why can't he stay and fullfill that dream? Why?

I've never been able to get over the death of River Phoenix. It's like a bad dream that you never seem to wake up from. I never knew him, personally that is, yet he's become a part of me. I wouldn't be what I am today if it wasn't for him. We should all remember the beautiful side to River. We should remember his sensitivity and his eternal love for the world. We shouldn't try to compare him to anyone or use him as some kind of example for this so-called "lost generation." But most of all we shouldn't try to justify his actions. He made a mistake. A mistake that cost him his life. I know that River always said that he wouldn't get caught up in the glitz and glamour of Hollywood, but like many others, he was wrong. I guess he just wasn't strong enough. Whatever his reasons for his deadly addiction, I will always love him as an actor, a friend, but most of all, as a person.

"One I never knew, how easy it is to love you"

Lily

You were so beautiful, River Phoenix. I hope you´re happpy where you are. You will be remembered always, never forgotten.

Albert

Like Martha Plimpton, I'm damn angry too. Actually right now I'm very angry indeed! It's hardly a surprise that poor River was torn apart when he started to discover the truth. Unfortunately, the few who did try to help seem to have concentrated on simply trying to stop him taking drugs rather than getting to the root of the problem. It's like bandaging a weeping sore, it stops the mess but doesn't cure the disease. Having endured more than my fair share of turmoil over the years I can see exactly where River was coming from - that is why I became interested in him when the facts started to emerge. Trying to understand him, why a beautiful, talented and intelligent guy should go so seriously to pieces, has helped me better understand myself. I'm angry at the same people as Martha, only I'm not angry at River; for him I can feel only the deepest compassion. Harrison Ford told River on the set of Mosquito Coast "Keep your head on your shoulders, it's just a job". If it had only been that simple. We all suffer a degree of disillusionment as we grow up, but to be under such pressure to keep up a sham whilst finding that your life has been built on a false premise is too much for anyone. Sure I can understand his family's predicament having been in such desperate straits, but they should have been helping to relieve the pressure on River, not adding to it. I'm also angry at those who regard River as a martyr; he wasn't, his death was an accident.

Thanks, River. You have a place in my heart forever.

Richard

Thank you for putting together a page for a very talent young actor , who made a tragic mistake that ended his life and took a huge chunk out of my heart. he was a handsome, actor and musican who was clean cut and wanted to save the world i only wish that he had the same ambition about his life as he did his work. i pray that he is happy and keep his memory alive. long live river.

nicole roe ;phila

River Phoenix had such a profound impact on my life that it's impossible to express or explain how I feel about him. He's the first person I ever "knew" who was a vegetarian, and the first kid my own age who seemed to have any strong and worthwhile convictions. I admired him, not for his acting, but for what he seemed to stand for. I always felt that if I met him it would be like meeting a part of me that I had forgotten existed. Like there was some metaphysical bond between us or something. I think that in some small way, that effect that he had on me, when we were both just children, has helped make me the strong, passionate, principaled woman that I am today.

I was never the "fan" type. I haven't seen every movie he ever made; in fact, I never thought he was such a great actor. It was the person that I perceived him to be that I loved. Like a lot of other people, I was saddened and angered by his death. I blamed him most, for not loving himself as much as we all loved him. I also blamed Johnny Depp. I have a hard time watching his movies anymore, even though I know it wasn't his fault. Finally I was mad at myself, for not expecting it, for not somehow preventing it, for having a sane, happy life while he was suffering; and for having grown up and almost forgotten him.

When I turned on the TV that next day and saw the news, I couldn't bear to hear it or to talk about it to anyone. The office I worked in was so gossipy I expected everyone to be talking about it, but nobody said a word. It wasn't til several months later that I brought it up and found that several of my friends felt as I did. River's death was just too painful to talk about. He touched something in people, whether he knew it or not, whether he wanted to or not. River is loved and missed. He isn't gone though. I'm not a religious person, but I know his spirit still exists, and that he'll walk on this earth again. I just hope that next time someone will be there to help him along a little and that he'll find his way.

Thanks for letting me vent!

Rachel

I've been looking at a lot of the comments at this particular page and I have to say am very suprised. Don't get me wrong, I respect people's opinions and feelings on River Phoenix, and I did enjoy some of the poems written and dedicated to him,but........He is not a god. People are making him out to be this totally unreachable, untouchable figure that even I can't grasp. Freespirited, loving, cares about others and the environment, which I'm sure he did. These "comments" kept getting very repititious and brought me to the point where I was reading about someone else and not River Phoenix In my eyes, I see a person who was in so much pain from his childhood, being moved from town to town with his family, and no stability. That's a lot of pressure for a child to go through at that age. Actor Ethan Hawke quoted that when he was working on the movie "Explorers" with River, River's dad showed up drunk on the set. I'm not saying his family is to blame, but those event could have led up to his drug abuse. YES, his works and accomplishments should be recognized and accounted for, I am a fan myself. I had a crush on him when I first saw his face on the "Stand By Me" video when he had the cigarette in his mouth. I drooled over him in "Running on Empty". Believe me, I've done my share of obsessing. My point is, let's not put him in that category as a praised role model for young people. Remember, he was addicted to drugs, and he was just another person like you and me, who went through some rough times during his life and unfortunately let go of it because he couldn't take it anymore. I find that really sad and I still mourn the fact that a talented 23 year old had to be taken away before his candle burned out. He was not an angel.......he was just human. God bless you River.

Sophia Milas

I fully feel that I have a definite connection with all of you fans of River. He was a very beautiful person who loved life even too much. He was so delicate that certain things got to him and unfortunately drugs got him ito something he couldn't escape. God bless him and his family. This is finally the chance that I get to say something about a person who is still very special to me. I wish that I had only paid more attention to him while he was still alive. But he is, in spirit. River, Love ya man. God Bless. God Bless all of us. The river flows.

Matt, mjomalle@naz.edu

River was very important to me through my young life. I didn't realise how important he was to me until he died 'cause I grew up with him through his films. He was like a brother to me. Each of his films corresponded to a part of my childhood, a part of my teenage years. Since he died, he's in my thoughts every day because I feel a big emptiness in myself. One day, I'm sure that I'll pay tribute to him for all he gave me and for his lifetime of achievement.

Greg Lacroix, gregory.lacroix@infoboard.be

I'm 14 and from S'pore. I've seen a few River Phoenix movies, and he is a very talented and good-looking actor, though it was sad he died so young. Whatever happens, River Phoenix will always be fondly remembered by millions.

Florence Tan S L

I too must pay tribute to the guy who was one of the most beautiful people in this world-both in terms of his life, and his character. If there's any of you out there who fancy paying the ultimate tribute, and being a member of a fan-club, please E-Mail me. Generally, people have been sceptical that there would be too little interest.
LET'S PROVE THEM WRONG!!!

Best Wishes to you all....

Richard, rth2@ukc.ac.uk

P.S.-No obligation if you just say you're interested.

Thank you for making this page. I can't find much information about River here in Hong Kong .

Before I saw "My Own Privte Idaho", I didn't know who River Phoenix was. I got to like him because of this movie. He's not that kind of male actor selling a handsome image. His acting impressed me the most.

Then I saw "Stand By Me", "Running On Empty", "Dogfight" ... I knew who is my favourite actor! Though not many people in HK know River, I'm really proud to have seen most of his movies.

It's sad to hear about his death. He had a short life, but it doesn't matter, what matters is how one lives his life. As a actor, he did very good in his career, that's what I appreciate.

Mona Lam, s936996@mailserv.cuhk.hk

When i first saw Stand By Me, i was drawn to River by a powerful force. I can only figure that he secretly spoke to me, and since that movie, he has captivated me undenably. When i learned of his death, i was understandably devastatied, crying for days, and when ever halloween rolls around, i seclude myself. In my years, i have lead many people to like River, to enjoy his work, and it seems fair that he can still send out his vibes. I spent almost three years looking for the album Tame Yourself, and last month i recieved it, and it was a touching song. Thank you for listening, and you did me a good service by making this page. I Love River.

Micheal Dodds

I just wanted to say that I really like this site. I fell in love with River the first time I saw his face in some teeny-bopper mag when I was in junior high. Ever since then I've been ridiculed for loving a hippie-wanna-be-movie-star. But I felt that he showed me the way to live. I learned so much from a man I never met: respect every living thing, respect the earth, eat well (although I don't usually, but I try!), love yourself, and never do drugs. Through his death I learned to find truth in my self and not in other people, as I had done. I still don't believe he's gone and I'll never get to meet him. I know I sound crazy to those who don't get what a lot of us are feeling, but to those who loved him like I did: I feel your pain and we are stronger and better people because of River. He may had died of drugs, but I believe his life was about love, peace, and hope.

Love and dolphins-Veronica

I don't think that anyone can possibly explain just how incredible of a person that River was. Those of us who saw beyond the curtain, saw the truth, the beautiful person. Those who didn't just missed the picture completely.

Brittany Delayne

I was a fan of River's as well, however, he is the only one to blame for his end. We all have personal problems, some worse than others, but we can't let these problems excuse our actions. River was not a victim, he was a young man who had choices to make and he made some terrible choices, but he made them!! It is unfortunate that those around him did nothing to lead him from his troubles ways. There were so many big people who worked with this young man; Steven Spielberg, Robert Reford, Sydney Poitier, Harrison Ford etc. Couldn't some of them gotten together and done something to lead River straight? Why aren't those in Hollywood looking after each other? Why aren't they looking after there young? Take care of yourselves!

MIKEYWRITE@aol.com

It is sad that this young actor died, but he is no way innocent. No one shoved the crack pipe into his mouth and forced him to smoke. Lets try to remember River for who he really was. He was an ordinary kid who did somthing stupid, and the fact that he was famous does not make it any less or more stupid. He is no more special then the kid who just died yesterday from drugs, or the thousands of other kids who died before.

Herb Becker

I just finished reading the book "Lost In Hollywood" The Fast Times and Short Life of River Phoenix and I am very happy I did. I had seen a couple of his movies and thought he was cute, but I never was a true fan. So, when I heard about his death I was sad, but I didn't really read all the horrible tabloids I read about in the book. It's hard to believe what cruel things people will say and do for money. It's been awhile since his death and now Im just finding out about River and what a caring person he was. It was a horrible thing and it makes you realize that bad thing's do happen to good people. Im glad I read the book and Im glad I found this page, so I can read other people's feelings too.

Heather, hediduke@aol.com

Personally, I never got interested in River until he died. I feel very unfortunate to say that, but I would be lying if I told you differently. I am a 15 yr. old boy, and I have told people, that I would like to dedicate my life to River, most of them ask me why, and a simply tell them, he was a good person. Whenever they hear that, they bring up that he was on drugs, and I simply say, "You may be on drugs, and still be a good person. If you looked at him the way I do, you would see what I mean, he loved animals, and the world around him. Good people die every day, and he was one of them."

Myself being into theater, and music they also ask, so would you od if you became famous and I say, "No, I would just continue the life he never had a chance to continue."

Andy Sturt, Giant66952@aol.com

Wasn't he great. He'll go down in history as one of the greats.

Aine Quinn, A.Quinn@herts.ac.uk

The legend River Phoenix, is stil alive in Sweden !!

anita

river was a pure soul and radiated love and tolerance. he was generation x's greatest actor and the youth of the world mourns.

During my teen years, River's photo hung on the walls of my bedroom, along with dozens of other teen idols' pictures. Whether he liked it or not, he was in the lime-light and doomed to be a teen idol. How could any young girl resist that cute face accompanied with many a young person's idealistic view of the world? Like he, I was also a vegetarian--thinking that my actions would somehow influence (even change) the world. Then I grew up and saw that it's not what you say and not what you abstain from doing that changes the world; instead, it is what you do LOUDLY which affects those around us.

Sad to say it but...River opened a lot more people's eyes by going into convulsions and dying on a public sidewalk than he ever did living a (seemingly) wholesome lifestyle or making a great movie.

After reading some others' comments I think that some people have taken Martha Plimpton's statements in a totally different context from what she meant. It seems clear to me that she is not (as some of these comments suggest) angry with the media for using River's death as an example of the effects of drug abuse, but rather she is pissed that friends of his watched him destroy himself and that he didn't care that he was destroying himself.

Don't belittle River by saying that he made a mistake or that he didn't know better. He was a smart guy and knew that he was killing himself slowly, just as any of us (myself included) know the same everytime we abuse alcohol or drugs.

I hope none of you fans take this the wrong way. I too love River's work -- I have seen and adored every movie he made (even 'Jimmy Reardon', just because he starred in it)...but we must be careful not to ever think that we actually knew the real River Phoenix. All we ever saw of him was his acting and all he ever said to us was written by some interviewer. Only those who really knew him could actually love him. We are mere admirers. Fashion yourself after his beliefs, if you wish, just remember that he was probably not a very happy person... ...even though he made us happy during his short lifetime.

The river runs free forever, loved by all.

I remember seeing Stand By Me for the first time and seeing how much River reminded me of my friend Josh. But when you're that young, it's different.As I got older, and watched the movie again, It scared me. Because it seemed as though Josh had grown like River. They had both been wonderful people, people you could look up to and smile. But they had been lost in the shuffle. They had been overlooked; their problems overlooked. Now, I wish we could have saved them; I know I would have done anything. And now we're to face the world lacking 2 wonderful people to stand by us for the journey.

Jodi

God, there's not enough room here to describe the beautiful, eternal River. I have not even begun to thank you, for the time to remember this man of many talents and qualities. Maybe he's better off where he is now but we'll always miss you River.

luv, Kat

I fell in love with him the first time I saw him. He was my inspiration.

sunshine

I have always admired River very much, as an actor and as a human being. I feel that I knew him myself, that may sound stupid, but I can relate to what he was like in ways. I am so sorry that he is gone now. He will be missed by all and remembered. There isn't a day that goes by that I don't think about him. I just wish I could have met him. He was so unafraid of what people thought of him. If he believed in it, he just made you want to also. He was definitely one of a kind, it's just too bad that there aren't more people like him. He was beautiful. He was wonderful. He is missed.

Gretchen McAllister

He was the most beautiful person who ever walked on this earth but some people were trying to make an image that wasn't his. And that false image made him confused. Samantha said that he had so much compassion for everybody and everything that he had a weight on his heart , and that's true.

Anna, ma92ankr@boden.se

River Phoenix was the first actor of my youth to touch my heart. He was the first actor that I really, truly loved. Stand By Me was my favourite movie from the first time I saw it when I was nine, and it continues to be one of my favourites now. Yes, it is true that I adored his face, but I respected his talents, too. No, wait, I still respect his talents. He was two separate people, the actor, and the real person. The only one I ever knew was the actor, but I loved him, and I miss him.

I thought I was the only one who felt the way I do about River, but I am glad I read these comments because now I know I,m not alone. I didn't know much about him but when I heard he died my heart leeched. I am shaking right now as I write this.

I must say I never thought to much of River Phoenix, until just a few weeks when I saw My Own Private Idaho. It was an amazing and compelling performance, from one so young. Truly a tragic loss of a brilliant young man.

Jacques Van der Merwe, Sydney Australia

I remember the first time I watched the movie Stand By Me It took my breath away. It was all River, portraying the abused and confused sensitive Chris Chambers. Although I loved River Phoenix, no other performance I have seen him do can live up to Chris Chambers. No other movie to me is as deep, profound, and soul-searching as Stand by Me.

River Phoenix was my teenage hearthrob and idol. Now that I am 21 years old I have outgrown that. But the memory of River never quite leaves my mind. I am not sure if it is the sadness and suddeness of his death or maybe it is the fact that I know that the world has lost a gifted actor, environmentalist, idol, and kindred spirit, and so have I.

Jennifer Halso, jghst10@cis.vms.pitt.edu

I remember the night that he died. It was one of the worst nights of my life...for more reason than that. I came home late...it was around midnight. I remember stepping through the front door and seeing his face on the news. I went numb. I had looked up to him for as long as I can remember. I'm still in shock. He was someone that I could relate to...someone who could have understood me. He was so brilliant and so talented. I was going to pursue a career in acting...I thought that I would get to meet him someday. I looked forward to getting to say..."I think you're an incredibly talented actor. And you've made such a wonderful impact on my life. I grew up with you." But now I will never get to say those words because like his name sake he has burnt out. He holds a place in my heart still...I too know what it is to fight a drug addiction. Unlike River I know how to overcome it. I wish I could have been there to help him...because in his way he did so much to help me. I was a shy child and he helped me to speak out for what I believe in. Were it not for him I know that I would not be the person I am now. River, if you can hear me where you are...I love you.

Ivy

River Phoenix was a great actor. All of my friends always say that I think that is cool because he was so fine. But to tell you the truth I got interested in him because of his looks but loved him in Stand By Me and he was even a little pudgy in that one. Now that I have seen some of his other movies like Running on Empty I relize he is accually an exellent actor and that is what he should be recognized for.

I miss him still now.

Ayako Kubo, ayakokubo@msn.com

River Jude Phoenix was, and still is my favorite actor. I don't even want to listen to the crap people say about him. His personal life was PERSONAL! so butt out!!! ! love you.

Kymberlie Smith

I've never know such a sansitive, beautiful and wonderful man as River. I fell in love with him four years ago when I first saw him in Stand By Me. Thanks to River I discovered there is a meaning to my life and I realized I can actually love somebody. You see, I love River more then I and my own family even though it sound ridiculous. During the last two weeks I began to miss River so much and found myself crying alot. Few weeks ago I was in London on a vacation,and I bought a very book about him-it helped me remember him and think about him most of the day. I'm very happy to read this page and see there are so many people who care about him too. No-one in my family really understands my love of River and my brother and sister mostly laugh at me when they hear his name so I'm glad to have somebody to share my feeling with. I'm sorry about my English, I live in Israel and English is not my formal language so I'm still learning.

Gily, mirafhm@netvision.net.il

" Su suerte prematura por sobredosis de todo nos impide conocer que habria sido capaz de dar, pero lo metio de lleno en el Panteon de la Mitologia, seccion juventud angustiada, que el contribuyo a crear, sobre todo, con su trabajo en Mi Idaho Privado. Como en J.Dean, la Luz de la ternura iluminaba su rostro mas sombrio. "

" It comes to a early grave end owing to an whole life over-dose which hinder us from knowing what he would be able to do, but gives him admittance to the Mithologic Pantheon, in the anguished youth section, im which he played a part in creating, specially with his own work in My Own Private Idaho. So as with J.Dean, the light of tenderness made his shady grin face shining. "

A spanish boy who learn so much with him. You should try to learn something too. He wasn't God. He didn't need it. He just was River... He never died. He walks with me, in my mind (like god for christians).... Yesterday, I saw again My Own Private Idaho, ... It's like a good wine...It gets better with time.. Thanks, River ... River of the Life...

(Sorry about my "english", I try to write fine.)

Duran

I met River when I was 14 and he was filming a movie behind my house. I'll never forget that day because he was such a beautiful person, inside and out. He was kind to everyone and never lost sight of his work. Like a lot of people, I was devestated by his death, although I was not a friend of his. I'll never forget his work or his causes. We all love you River!

Melissa Olson

YES, RIVER PHOENIX WAS ADORABLE, BUT HE WAS ALSO A WONDERFUL POET, SINGER AND ABOVE ALL, ACTOR. WHEN YOU ALL SAY HOW MUCH YOU MISS HIM, WHAT ARE YOU THINKING ABOUT? HIS LOOKS, OR HIS TALENTS? I DARE EACH AND EVERY ONE OF YOU FANS TO SIT DOWN AND WATCH "RUNNING ON EMPTY" AND TRY TO GET SOME MEANING OUT OF THE MOVIE INSTEAD OF GOING GOOGOO OVER HIS LOOKS! TRY TO SEE WHAT A TREMENDOUS ACTOR RIVER WAS, AND THEN TELL ME WHAT YOU MISSED MOST ABOUT HIM.I TRULY HOPE THAT YOU PEOPLE THAT ARE GOING ON ABOUT HOW GREAT LOOKING HE IS AND SAYING NOTHING ABOUT HIS MOVIES...OR HIS BAND... OR HIS CAUSES.OR HIS FAMILY. YOU KNOW...THE THINGS HE CARED ABOUT HIMSELF.I REALLY WONDER IF HE WANTED HIS"FANS" TO THINK OF HIM THAT WAY AFTER HE WAS GONE. I KNOW I WOULD'NT! DON'T GET ME WRONG! SURE, I STILL HAVE HIS PICTURE...FRAMED...HANGING SOMEWHAT NEAR MY BED. BUT THAT DOES'NT MEAN I'M GOING TO KISS THAT PICTURE EVERY NIGHT ,AND FEEL SORRY FOR THAT "BEAUTIFUL PERSON" THAT EVERYONE OUT THERE WANTS HIM TO BE! HE WAS HUMAN...HE WAS ONE OF US! LOVE HIM FOR WHAT HE WAS, AND WHAT HE COULD HAVE BEEN! I DO.

KIMBERLY MICHELLE

The one thing that I learned from River Phoenix's death was that persons in the media were and are real people with real problems and real lives. I did not know River personally, only from his movie performances and the tidbits of info. I read in random articles. The one thing I do know is that he died prematurely, and that his death was devastating for those who knew him and those that knew about him from what we read and saw. I mourn, not only for the lost life of a human being who had a dramatic impact on many, but most of all, for his siblings, his parents, and for his friends who loved him dearly and knew him like no one else knew him. My thoughts are with them, and I hope that they can get past the pain and remember the special times with him that only they can know.

j williams

I AM PISSED OFF AT ALL THE STUPID PEOPLE WHO HAVE MADE COMMENTS AND WHO HAVE NOT WHO ONLY LIKE HIM FOR HIS LOOKS. I HAVE A QUESTION FOR ALL OF YOU WHO ARE INSANE TO READ ALL OF THESE MESSAGES AND EVEN MINE MY QUESTION IS: DID YOU WATCH HIS MOVIES FOR HIS LOOKS FOR A HOPEFUL GLIMPSE OF HIS CHEST OR OTHER BODY PARTS OR WERE YOU WATCHING THE MOVIES FOR HIS ACTING ABILTY BECAUSE AFTER I READ THE BOOK "LOST IN HOLLYWOOD" AND I READ THAT HE HAD WANDERED IF PEOPLE WATCH HIM FOR HIS LOOKS OR HIS ACTING TALENTS? HE SEEMED TO STRESS AT THE ANSWER THAT FANS ONLY LOOK AT HIM FOR HIS BODY. THAT IS MY QUESTION TO WHO EVER READS THIS AND ASK YOURSELVES THAT QUESTION TO ANY OTHER ACTOR. I DO ESPECIALLY THINKING OF KEANU REEVES DO I LIKE HIM FOR HIS LOOKS OR FOR HIS ACTING. THAT QUESTION I AM STILL PONDERING ON. BUT FOR IN ANSWER TO RIVER I LOVE HIS ACTING THE WAY HE IMMERSES HIMSELF INTO HIS CHARACTERS AND PUSHES THOSE AROUND HIM TO DO THE SAME. I GUESS I SHOULD TELL YOU PEOPLE THAT I FOUND RIVER THROUGH KEANU BACK IN DECEMBER 1993 SO AT FIRST HIS DEATH MEANT NOTHING TO ME. FOR SOME ODD REASON LAST YEAR IN THE SUMMER OF 1995 I BOUGHT THE BOOK"LOST IN HOLLYWOOD" AND EVER SINCE THEN I HAVE BEEN HAUNTED BY DREAMS AND THOUGHTS ABOUT HIM. BELIEVE IT OR NOT I SUPPOSE I HAVE DREAMT OF ALL OF YOU WHO LIKE AND STILL REMEMBER HIM THE FANS I MEAN I DREAMT THAT THERE WAS A CULT GROUP THAT WAITED BY A LAKE SITTING ON A HIGH CLIFF AN DOWN BY THE LAKE AND IN THE LAKE ALL OF THEM ( THE FANS) WERE WAITING FOR THE RETURN OF RIVER PHOENIX TO RETURN FROM THE DEAD LIKE KING ARTHUR. MAYBE HE WILL BUT IT WILL BE HARD TO COME BACK TO LIFE IN HIS BODY BECAUSE HIS BODY IS NOW ASHES. BUT OF LATE I HAVE BEEN REALLY WISHING HE WAS ALIVE BUT IF HE WAS I WOULD NOT KNOW WHO HE IS. I STILL DON'T KNOW WHO HE IS OR WILLNEVER KNOW WHO HE IS ONLY HIS FAMILY AND TRUE FRIENDS KNOW WHO HE IS/WAS. NO IS HE IS ALIVE IN SPIRIT IF NOT PHYSICALLY. OH WELL I CAN GO ON FOR DAYS WRITING. AND I AM SORRY FOR GETTING ANGRY AT THE BEGINNING JUST I WAS THINKING OF THAT QUESTION AND WAS WANDERING WOULD THAT BE ANY REASON FOR TAKING DRUGS. I MEAN IF HE WERE ME HELL I WOULD TO BE TAKING DRUGS ACTUALLY I'VE TRIED BUT I DID NOT LIKE THE EXPERINCE ANYHOW IF HE WERE ME I WOULD HAVE TO BECAUSE LIFE TOTALY SUCKS THE WAY HUMANS ARE DESTROYING THE PLANET AND TO EACH OTHER. i BET HE WANTED TO TRY TO FIX THINGS BUT JUST COULD'T BUT MAYBE JUST MAYBE HE CAN THROUGH ALL OF US. LIKE HMMMM YEAH MAYBE THAT IS IT ALL THE THINGS THE POISTIVE THINGS HE DID YOU KNOW NOT HE NEGATIVE THINGS LIKE DRUGS AND ALCHOHOL OR WHATEVER BUT THE POSITIVE THINGS HE DID MAYBE IF WE FOLLOWED HIM DO WHAT HE DID WE COULD HELP HIM ?????? OR MAYBE I AM JUST INSANE WELL IF YOU FEEL LIKE it YOU CAN FREAKING CURSE ME OUT BY EAMIL IF IT SHOWS UP AFTER THIS MESSAGE I WON'T MIND AS SAID BEFORE I'M INSANE LONER 8) WELL I SYMPATHIZE WITH TRUE FANS AND I COMPLETLY WISH ALL MY LOVE TO HIS FAMILY I HOPE NO BODY WILL BOTHER THEM WHERE THEY ARE LIVING NOW AND EVEN THOUGH I DOUBT ANY OF THEM WILL BE READING ANY OF THESE MESSAGES BUT IF ONE HAPPENS TO I SURE DO WISH ALL THE LUCK FOR RIVER'S YOUNGER BROTHER WHO I FORGOT HOW TO SPELL HIS NAME (sorry) ANYHOW I WISH YOU ALL THE BEST OF GOOD LUCK IF YOU BELIVE IN LUCK IN GETTING PAST THE FACT THAT YOU ARE HIS BROTHER YOU ARE YOUR OWNSELF A TOTTALY COMPLETELY DIFFERENT PERSON WHO SHOULD BE RECONIZED AS SUCH AND I AGAIN WISH YOU THE BEST OF LUCK IN THE "BUSINESS". SAME WITH THE REST OF THE SIBLINGS. GOOD LUCK YOU GUYS.8)

May, mmay@scad.edu

I remember the day River died.I just got back from Victoria and I went to my friends house that I went with to the island with.It was a sunny day in Richmond.I just called my house to tell my mom I'm back and I was alright.Then my sister got on the phone and ask me if I heard what happen to River,I said I didn't.Then the next thing I know she's telling me that he's died.For a moment and didn't say anything,but then I asked if she was sure about it.I felt numb and couldn't think straight.Then she starts telling me it's all over the news.I started to ask all these questions how?,where?,what time?At that point no one knew the anything,it was all fresh news to everyone.When I see a movie of his,I think why him?He was so young and had so much to offer to the world.He is one of the reasons I went to acting school.I wanted to express myself as he did.During my studies at school I had to prepare a monologue for my scene study class.The monologue I chose was from Running on Empty,where River's character tells his girlfriend who he really is and who his family is.That day going to class I had the weirdest feeling,I had all these emotions going through me.I didn't know how to feel.When the class started I wanted to do my scene right away,but my teacher made us go through some cold reads first before we did are scenes.By the time we starting doing are scenes that we had prepared,I lost all the emotions I was feeling coming to school.But when it came to my turn I just started to think,I don't know what it was,but it all came back in a instant, with no trouble.It was one of the best work I've ever done.My teacher was in awe and couldn't believe what she was seeing.I think for that one day I was at greatness.And for some reason I felt he was with me that day to see me through the scene,it might sound strange,but like I said it was a weird day.There's one quote that I think describes RIVER PHOENIX and it's by James Dean "If a man can bridge the gap between life and death,if a man can live after he's died,then maybe he was a great man.To me,the only success,the only greatness, is immortality."

O passado passou, como um sopro de vento frio ou quente, e agorar o que nos resta, resta-nos uma memoria, uma imagen, mas o presente passa a ser passado, e o futuro ainda esta para vir, e ainda se ade tornar passado, e porque não podemos alterar o passado, porque só temos o direito de aprender como ele.

Who can you be sour that River is realy dead.I realy like him, and we have a lot in comun, but that whath i think, and probaly lot´s of pressons.

But if i is real dead, i never gone find him tham i have no hope in my live, It´s like i know him for a long time, and i know what he real nedd´s to be happy. It´s not fair that is that, it´s not right,....................

Susana Costa. susanacosta@mail.telepac.pt

River meant the world to me, and it hurt me to think of ever letting him go. I know that eventually memories of River will be replaced by others, but I never want that to happen. I want to remember River for as long as I possibly can, I never want to let go.

I was recently listening to a song called "Petrol & Chlorine" by Silverchair. I love the song, but there are four lines that really hit me. They reminded me of River. I don't know why, but they did :

"Though you had the world at your feet
You could see it I was blind
Had the perfect job called life
You didn't like it you resigned"

Thank you for taking the time to read this message. If you fell the same way I do, or if you just need someone to talk to, let me know.

JUDE_RJP@juno.com

River's death was a tragedy. It was a waste of a great life. He had incredible talent and he threw away his life.

I was only (lets see) I was only about 12 when he died and I really had no clue who he was until after he dies. I saw him in movies and such but I didn't think it was important to know him. I feel really sad for him because even though he was mostly at fault (for taking the drugs) I don't think he diserved to die. Thanks I just needed to say that.

I didn't fall in love with River until after his death. I don't remember exactly when it was that I began to love him. I remember seeing his face in a magazine and it just captured me. I must have been about 12 when I found him (I am now 15). I started to go through a period in my life where everything was wrong. I was so alone and I didn't know what to do. I was afraid to pray to God because I had no proof there really was a God. So I started to talk to River. I knew he was real. He had lived, here, on this earth. Everyone knew that. I had proof of River. He has been my guardian angel for so long now, I don't know what I would do without him. I often wonder where I would be if he was alive. Would I be better off or worse? Would I even love him then? I don't know. But I do know that I would give up this love for him to come back to people who love and need him more than me. I know River is in Heaven, but I wonder if he knows how dearly I love him. Sometimes things happen that lead me to believe that he does know, that he does hear my prayers, and maybe, just maybe, he loves me too.

Therese

I was only 12 when River Phoenix died. Not knowing much about drugs or ever really thinking or being affected by death, I didn't pay much attention to the whole thing. I remember clearly, as if it had happened yesterday, standing on line in a supermarket and looking at one of the magazine covers. There was a young man's face on it. It caught my attention; I asked my mom who it was and she told me he was just a druggie. I remember the expression on his face, he seemed sad. As time passed, I learned more and more about this incredible person and about his umtimely death. Indeed he was very attractive, but the thing which really affected me was the thought that he had so much to live for, and then he was gone. It's really not fair. No one ever knows when they are going to die. Everyone messes up, no one's perfect. Some people mess up a lot during their lives but never have to pay for it, but River's life was taken so quick, he wasn't given another chance. I often wonder where he would be today if he hadn't taken his life. I also wonder if he wanted to die, if he was trying to escape from everything. What happened to River also teaches me a lesson; human life is very precious, and we should do everything in our power to live it, because we'll never know when it will be gone.

SAM samisami@ix.netcom.com

I already send a comment about River a long time ago. I still miss him and I am really glad that this web site is so well done and such a great tribute to this incredible person that touched so many people even if in the end we are strangers to him and his family.

Not very often we can find a beautiful soul like River's . In today society, everyone doesn't seems to care anymore and everyone is becoming selfish. People like River are a true gift because they are so passionate and truthful that they touch and inspire everyone in different ways. I feel like I lost a brother and so many times during the day I think about him and the life that he had. I am sad about his death , but also upset about the fact that he didn't have to die like that.

I feel now that after three years , River can be found in our heart and shall forever be in mine. I shall forever be greatful to him for being a true inspiration to me and the way now I live my life. If you want to email , please do at odasmini@interlog.com

River Phoenix was one of the very best actors there really ever was. He had a lot of talent. In a way a lot of us think alot like him. I really apreciate the pages you all have put out for him, and I think if he were alive he to would apreciate it. I never really got to know him, but he was a part of me. I dont know how many people ever really got to know him, but they were very luckey. To get inside a person with a wall like he had must have been very special. In a way he made all our lives better. Thank you for the things you have done for him.

Late

Angie Maciejeski

While I had seen some of River's movies before his death, it wasn't until after he died that I really paid attention. One of his movies, "The Thing Called Love," is my favorite. In it he seems so sad. There are some people who you see, and you just want to reach out and hold them and tell them everything will be okay. River was one of those people, and I wish more people had been there for him. But I guess telling someone that everything will be all right doesn't really work. Unfortunately, it didn't hold true for River's life. I will always regret his death and what a waste drugs can lead to of such a valuable life.

Stephanie

I am quite moved by the fact that so many people share my feelings about River Phoenix. In a way, I always wanted him to myself; I didn't believe that anyone else "knew" about him like I did.

Out of all the movie star idols that I was into, River Phoenix was the special one. Years ago, when we were about 14, (I'm 22 now), my best friend and I would sit and watch Stand By Me over and over again, until we could quote from it. We used to freeze-frame the video on the bits where River looked really gorgeous (looking down the barrel of the gun with Gordie). After that, it was every film he made. All the articles written about him were cut out; pictures stuck on walls etc. At 16, I planned to write to him and tell him how much I supported his views. As I got older and went to University, I thought about him less (although I had to put posters of him up on my wall). Then, in my first year, at age 18, I was half-asleep and listening to the radio when I heard the news. At first, I thought I was dreaming still, but for the next hour, I panicked, waiting for the next news bulletin. Surely there was a mistake? When I heard it again, and they mentioned the grim details, I knew it was true, but at the same time, I just didn't believe it. I bought every newspaper and went to my lecture. I tried to read the obituary but the words became blurred as I sat there. I grieved for days, unable to enjoy myself. Nobody else understood. I think I was more upset because of what River represented to me. He was such a large part of my childhood, and he was a dream, a fantasy of mine. For him to be dead meant the end of all of it - the dreams, the hopes. I would never meet him (even though deep down I knew I wouldn't). He was gone forever. That was hard to accept. I suppose I still can't believe it. I mean, why him? Why him of all people? My fantasy movie star. It made no sense to me, and the sense of loss was total. I suppose it's a comfort to know so many people do feel like this, but obviously for different reasons. I'll always miss River. I never knew him personally, but he had an affect on my life that I will always be grateful to him for.

Goodbye River

Rest in Peace

When I got my computer last month, I was hoping that there was a River Phoenix website. I was doubtful since I thought that I was one in a few that still thought about him on a daily basis. I love this website!! I see that I am not the only one who loves River and his brillant work. He was a true talent. He really seemed like some one you could really talk to. He was not vain, he was genuine. River was a true loss to this world. It bothers me that his friends couldn't do more for him. If his death taught anything, it taught about the evils of drugs. Hopefully kids will recognize this and not make the same mistake.

Keep up this website! It is great!!

JM3439@aol.com

He breathed life into whatever he did. Filling it with some sort of raw realism. All I really want is some patience for him, he was like a deer caught in headlights of some unexpected monster that devoured his soul. River was a lost soul, an overwhelmed lost boy who is resting with me. I feel him all over me now, all over my mind...polluting me with his shadowed heart. He haunts me with his spirit...I don't want him to leave me, but sometimes he catches me off guard. I think that God has appointed him as a guardian angel to watch over me. Sweet boy stay close for I cannot escape the eternal River...

Miranda

I was only ten years old at the time of River's death, and only now do I realize how much he actually meant to me. He wasn't just another pretty face from the movies, he was an angel. He touched my life in so many ways. Every year, on October 31st, I sit and cry for hours. Every time I hear his name or see his face it makes me want to die. My friends all think it's stupid. They just say "get over it" or " crying won't bring him back." But hearing those words just makes the pain worse. With every passing day the pain intensifies. If there is anyone who feels the way I do, or if you just want someone to talk to, e-mail me at JUDE_RJP@juno.com

River Jude Phoenix

8-23-70 to 10-31-93

As long as he's never forgotten,

he's never really gone.

Sincerely Yours, J*U*D*E

Hello, i just thought i'd drop a line about River. My friend Kelly , who has a comment up on your page right now, told me how she was interested in River now and she got pictures and so on. Then just now, she mailed me and said she mailed you with a comment about River. So i went to the comments page and read some of the comments incl. hers. Personnally, i was never really interested with River and i haven't seen many of his films. But i have come to learn more of him since my friend Kelly is now interested in his life. Don't get me wrong, i think it's a terrible way to go and i do belive he was a talented actor and no one should have to die. But i just want everyone out there to know that what happend could have been prevented. and it was his choice to do something as terrible as drugs and yes we do make mistakes, but look at what his mistake did to him.

Becca

I would just like to respond to another comment. Rivers drug abuse started way before My Own Private Idaho, from what I understand there was minor drug use on the set of Stand By Me. I love River, and I hate what happened to him, but believe me with time it gets the loss gets easier not less but easier. It's taken me three years just to be able to sit through one of his movies without crying.

Kelly Mich1121@aol.com

When I was a very young girl, I discovered River Phoenix. I was a very sad and lonely person, going through a very difficult time. To say the very least, he helped me, and because of him, I was able to grow up. His smile, that amazing smile..... When he died, I ached for him. As if I had really known him. I really lost a wonderful friend, even if he never knew I existed. River was an angel.

Diane Schoenrock

I believe that River lived like a a pebble balancing on the edge of a steep cliff. He was the most brilliant young talent in Hollywood, and like most young talents, he was a commodity. River was unable to deal with all the press intruding into his life, but I believe that his tragic flaw was that he did not know who he was. In one interview he said "I have many chameleon qualities". River practiced an unhealthy method of acting, he became the character in all aspects of becoming. He exchanged his life for his characters, and when My Own Private Idaho came along with the drug abusing Mike Waters...this was to put River into a deadly whirlpool which he was unable to get out of.

Skler Kristianson

I was only a preteen at the time of Rivers death. I didnt quite understand just what had happened, or why, or even who he was. I didnt try to follow up on the incident or even did I give it a second thought. It was only a short while ago that I saw "Stand By Me" for the first time, and became intrigued by Rivers life and acting career. I started to watch more of the movies he'd done, and only now do I realize what a great loss we did suffer. An amazing actor, a unselfish, non-flamboyant guy on the whole, who refused to let stardom, and then success go to his head. Though I am still young, I now see what a great loss this was. He is greatly missed...

Kelly S.

Three years ago I stood on my school's stairs talking about stupid stuff with my friends when one of them gave me a piece of a torn newspaper with River's picture on it. I remember thinking to myself 'ho great! another new information about River'. That was before my eyes understood the word 'dead'. I just stood there, not able to think, not able to breath, not able to cry. It was just another day, you know? and suddenly... Anyway, I did cry, but the strangest thing was for two and a half years I didn't think about it. It was denial, and a very long one too...half an year ago I saw 'my own privat idaho'. It was the first time I saw any movie of him since the day he passed away. In the middle of the movie I started crying. I couldnt stop. I sat there, infront of the Tv screen crying it all out. 2.5 years of not thinking about him. And since then, I cant rest. I watch all the movies of him I can get, buy everything of him I can find. Because he was my idol, before he died. He was the human being I belived everyone should dream to be like. He was a great actor, a great person, a great everything...

And now, I need help. I need someone to talk to, someone that will understand... If anyone feels like writing me... I'de like that very much.

Missing You, River

- Yael yaeli@hotmail.com

Hi! I am a huge River Phoenix fan! I mean huge!!! I know everything about him!!!! I love him so much! I think that now he is dead, people only look at his bad qualities. Like for instance, the fact that he is dead. He just had a frusterating life and didn't want to seek help. He didn't want to drag people into his problems. He didn't think people would understand, so he didn't tell anyone about his addiction to drugs. I love him very much and I know that if he told just one person about his problem, he would have had everyone in the world helping him.

Thank you so much!

Love River's #1 fan always,

Shanna Wahl tbucket@epix.net

When River Phoenix died I was 10 I just heard about his death on t.v. I had know idea who he was except that he was an actor. I just watched Stand By Me it was the first time I watched it. I found out that he was in it at the end It is such a great show It's my favorite movie so far. I knew how he died but I just wanted to read more info on him I heard he was a great man he was very concerned about the world but i just don't get it why did he died he was/is such a great person. I guess he was to special to live down here any longer so god took him up thier to live with him. His soul is alive still he lives in everyone of us.

May the River run eternally.

your a star who has fallen

but will always shine.

River: A relatively large natural stream of water.
Phoenix:A bird of legend said to consume itself by fire after centuries and rise renewed from its ashes.

he may live a legend.
he shall be remembered as some one who lived his life the fullest.

May his soul rest in peace.

requiescat in pace (rest in peace)
August 23, 1970-October 31,1993

I Will love and remember you always,
may you live, love always

Kerri Holler

This past summer I went on vacation to Lake Erie. In the eveining I went out by the lake and looked out onto the horizon. The sky was full of wonderful deep warm colors. I sat and watched till the sky durned a deep navy and the stars began to become visible. During that time I had alot of time to think of things. I thought of alot of different things, but one I really remember was thinking that I wasn't alone in seeing this beautiful sunset. For some reason this sight got me thinking about River. For a while after his death I cried every night. And then I went through a time of being angry at him. But I then realized how at ease I was with his death, and for one reason only. I knew that somewhere out there River was seeing my sunset. He was enjoying the beautiful colors and and the peaceful enviroment. I used to think it was a shame that he had died and was missing out, but I think he is seeing it all with all of us.

"Run to the rescue with love, and peace will follow" - River

Mich1121@aol.com

I just wanted to say that I miss river every day...

I hope he`s happy were ever he is.

I will see in heaven....

Reinert

Initially River Phoenix was no more than a funny name and a pretty face. I can clearly recall, at the age of 10, hearing my older sister discussing his stunning good looks with her friend, "but he's so weird!!" she exclaimed.

As the years went by my sister and her friends found new heart-throbs to obsess over, yet, for some reason, River stayed with me, deep within my heart. Movie after movie, no matter how ridiculous, or remarkable, I watched the talented actor manipulate sentences, words, and syllables into the most poetic of prose.

At age 19, River remains the source of all my inspiration, and the birth place of my hopes, fears, and intentions. As rare as true love may appear to be, I have uncovered the strongest of emotions through River's existence.

In order to begin to understand River, we must comprehend the sheer dynamics of his character, one of so much love, hope, and benevolence. It's so much easier said than done.

Rather than looking at River's passing as a loss, I prefer to view his time here as that of blessing, like an angel on a mission. River blessed us with his presence, love, honour, charity, and talent...He has moved on to share his gifts elsewhere:

There is no need to fear
the soft white light
that pulls him gently between,
Water to Earth
Earth to Fire
Fire to Wind

Peaceful and Warm,
He is safe,
He is between

- Jennifer Sabbah (Toronto) yu177985@yorku.ca

A little poem to those who have lost a loved one:

Death is nothing at all. I have only slipped away into the next room. I am I and you are you, whatever we were to each other that we are still. life means all that it ever meant; it is the same as it ever was; there is unbroken continuity.

Why should I be out of mind because I am out of sight? I am waiting for you, for an interval, somewhere very near-just round the corner.All is well. I love you River, for always and forever......

I thought that I was the only person who was so upset by the death of River..... Well I was very wrong. These pages prove that River was so special to so many people and he touched everyone's soul . When I first heard the news about his death I was shocked. I started to cry like I lost my own brother and in many ways I did. We both had a similar childhood and after I saw Stand by Me I thought he was the brother I never had. We both come from a very different family and I always understood the pain that he was going through. We lost an incredible person and an amazing actor. I miss him every day . I just hope that River is now finally happy, wherever he is . I know that he will never be forgotten and he will always have a special place in my heart.

Rob

Recently the anniversary of River's death made me see that although the pain is still there, it's slowly hurting less (maybe eventually it will become bearable). Knowing that I am not the only person who feels the way I do is is partly what keeps me sane. E-mail me if you know for sure that it was soul-bonding love for him and not just infatuation my name is Susan my e-mail adress is dmamor@essek.ac.uk. And "Elvira" (the girl who left a message about a month ago) if your still out there, contact me, - please.

River Phoenix was the nicest person, he was incredibly talented and many more things. My best-friend Courtney knew River and she was crying for days and days when he died, she was at the Viper Room that night, it was a terrible tragedy for her and for lots of people. I just hope River is happy and I wish he would know how much Courtney loves and misses him. BTW- I never got to meet River.

Jessica

I guess it was about this time three years ago that I was in Rome. I just happened to be looking for that fountain he was at in "My Own Private Idaho". It was so unreal to hear from one of the friends I was with who had just called her mother back in the states, and found out that River Phoenix was dead. I walked aroud in a daze, half a world away, completely detached from the sensationalism of America who was mourning a star. He was the boy in my locker in Jr. High. He was the boy who inspired vegitarinism to a young girl who only ate two kinds of vegetables. (That one I don't admit too often)

Ciao River

Kate

I have seen you many times touching life and each time you gave more than you took. Saying goodbye River is like a universe that I can't comprehend. It is not enough to be what we are, or think we are, for life reflects we are so much more.

Within you lived a soul too beautiful for words, too filled with love for conditions, too eternal for comprehension. A soul simply wishing to manifest itself into life by feelings, to be understood and to understand. By giving love and so much of yourself to other people you lost a part of yourself. I'm sorry that I could not be there for you, and even now the tears fall as snow upon frosted ground.

I will always remember you River, and I hope that like the bird which burned itself in a fire after living for hundreds of years, you will again arise in the radiant flower of youth upon the shoreline of eternity. I just want to be there. So until then... goodbye

Your Pal,

Chet: science@xtra.co.nz

River Phoenix is the first person I've ever loved. And so far he's the only person I've ever loved. Some people think loving somebody that you've never met in person just can't be, but for most of you reading this Comments and Feedback page on the "River Phoenix Pages" site, I'm sure it's very easy to understand. I love him now, and there will always be a special part in my heart for him forever. That's why I want to let him be, up there in heaven. The direct cause of River's death, of course, is an overdose, but personally I believe his death was because of pressure; pressure from the fans and society and the burden of fame. That sensitive and private River Phoenix couldn't cope with all that papparazzi. He probably still would have tried drugs from curiousity growing up, but perhaps he wouldn't have had the need to depend on them if he weren't under all the pressure and stress. This is only my opinion, and I don't want anybody to feel guilty of his death in any way. We must all remember this beautiful human-being, I'm not in any way saying we shouldn't, but I don't want to be making a big deal out of his death after three years. His death was a tragedy, but I don't want to cling on to the sorrow and be like "Oh, why did you have to go?" for the rest of my life. A fraction of me is still mourning his death, and that will never go away, but I don't want to turn River into a messiah or a god and worship him, and I don't want the rest of the world to be doing that either. Now that he's gone, he deserves what he wanted, to be left alone, away from all the attention. I love him, and that's why I want him to be happy where he is.

"........why don't you let him be?
he's gone
we know
give his mother & his father peace
your vulture's candor
your casual slander
you murder his memory
he's gone
we know
it's nothing but a tragedy......."

from Natalie Merchant's song "River" in her album, Tigerlily

"How many times does his little brother have to hear that 911 tape? How many times do we all have to hear it? There has been enough pain already. This very talented young man made a fatal mistake. I hope that kids will learn from it." -- Johnny Depp

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