On November 24, 1993, Arlyn “Heart” Phoenix published an open letter in the Los Angeles Times on her son’s life and death. It read, in part:

“His friends, co-workers and the rest of our family know that River was not a regular drug user. He lived at home in Florida with us and was almost never a part of the “club scene” in Los Angeles. He had just arrived in L.A. from the pristine beauty and quietness of Utah where he was filming for six weeks. We feel that the excitement and energy of the Halloween nightclub and party scene were way beyond his usual experience and control. How many other beautiful young souls, who remain anonymous to us, have died by using drugs recreationally? It is my prayer that River’s leaving in this way will focus the attention of the world on how painfully the spirits of his generation are being worn down.

River made such a big impression during his life on Earth. He found his voice and found his place. And even River, who had the whole world at his fingertips to listen, felt deep frustration that no one heard. What is it going to take? Chernobyl wasn’t enough. Exxon Valdez wasn’t enough. A bloody war over oil wasn’t enough. If River’s passing opens our global heart, then I say, thanks dear, beloved son, for yet another gift to all of us.”

I am in tears, rest in peace beautiful soul.

"She’s this peaceful sweetheart, you know? But she’s also radical, unpredictable, and she knows how to move mountains if she wants to. She’s intelligently aggressive toward things she really digs." - River Phoenix

“‘There’s a River born to be a giver, keep you warm won’t let you shiver, his heart is never gonna wither come on everybody time to deliver.’ #giveitaway #happybirthdayRiverPhoenix #innovator #activist #actor #musician #giver #brother #friend thanks to #Rhcp for the lyrical homage, well said! And to all of us who admired him and wonder what we can do to make a difference… We can be #givers4river - we can give a smile, a hug, or a few kind words to someone who needs it. We can be a light in the darkness - a friend - a lover - a sister - a brother. We can grow our #giver until we forget all about the take, and spend every moment awake in #positivity #love #compassion #unity” - Rain Phoenix

I remember that time he was going to Germany (1991) and wore that jacket over and over, he had his own wardrobe he loved so much. 

His German sounded so lovely with that American accent, sounded funny but yet so unique ♥ He was unique in many ways and wanted to prove that being unique is the best way to be respected and even though he was aware that life itself is very short, he was trying to get the best out of life. with ups and downs..

riversyellowsunflower:

Kahil Dotay with River in 1990 at Club Gravity, where Aleka’s Attic would play and Kahil would tend bar & DJ.

'Kahil and River had a running gag of sorts. Whenever they'd see each other in public, which wasn't too often, River would point at Kahil and freeze in place until Kahil would repeat a certain phrase. As long as Kahil repeated the phrase, River would move or “dance” like a madman. “Although it was kind of Stupid, it was the whole basis of our relationship {smile}” '.   — Kahil Dotay on being silly with Riv

Pictures and story by Angie:
"It was a Friday night. March 1, 1991. The spring of my sophomore year in high school. I had spent years prior to this night combing magazine aisles for the latest issues of Bop! and Tiger Beat. I had collected pictures, decorated lockers and notebook covers and drew many a "River" with a heart dotting the "i" in his name. I saw his movies, watched all his t.v. interviews and even begged a movie theater manager for a poster of his WORST movie, all so I could have that gorgeous face to look at all.the.time. I was in lust.
My friend “G” & I set out for a local club downtown to see River’s band “Aleka’s Attic” perform at a benefit concert for our local food bank. The anticipation on the ride over to the venue had me in tears. Yes, I’m a crier. I was actually WEEPING at the thought of meeting my dream guy. That’s a 15 year old for ya!
So, we make it to the venue and there are people EVERYWHERE. Not suprising because this event was well publicized and (imagine that) I’m not the only fan of River Phoenix in my town apparently. The nerve of some people. So, I elbow my way into the cigarette smoke-filled room and try to get a place to stand, remotely close to the stage. The venue wasn’t huge, but nevertheless, it was hard to see the stage. The concert began and we were delighted to hear the very unique style of music that they performed. They had your typical guitar and drums, but they also featured an electronic violin and a trumpet. All the musicians were GREAT!
[The 2nd picture shows] River and his sister Rainbow singing a tune. River played lead guitar. Swoon! He was dressed so grunge that night. It was hot.
They performed several songs and then I watched while River was interviewed by a blonde reporter from the BBC. They sent a film crew all the way to my little town from England, just to film this little concert. I was SO jealous of that reporter. And she was totally macking all over River. Bleh.
The [1st picture] was a shot of the whole band with the bimbo reporter. And they were eating pie. Don’t ask me why. I remember it being for some stupid publicity something or other. I just knew River was staring right at me. Delusional.
So, after the concert, River came out into the audience to be with his stalkers peeps. I knew this was my chance! Carpe Diem! It was now or never. I had to go talk with him.
I made my way through the droves of people and spotted him sitting at a table fawning all over a girl who was 2 years ahead of me at my school. I know I turned green with envy as I saw him taking a drag off her cigarette and laughing close to her face. How could that hussy steal my man? I marched over to him and stuttered a “Hi! Great concert!” He looked up for 2 seconds and shot me a smirk. And then, I held out a piece of paper and asked for his autograph. He looks up again and says “I don’t do autographs.” As the tears started to well up in my eyes, I know that a look of horror must’ve come across my face. Did he really say that to me? But, I’m his future wife biggest fan.

I guess the look on my face and the thought of dashing the hopes and dreams of an innocent starry-eyed teenager were just too much for him. He took the paper, scrawled his initials and handed it back to me and that was it. I walked away, somewhat disillusioned, but with a piece of my guy forever.
And so, was it all I thought it would be? No. Am I glad I met him in person. Yes. Do I miss him? Terribly.

And that was the night that I met River Phoenix.”
I know there is a lot of bullshit out there but this story is definitely true - she even took pictures.
The part with her asking for an autograph while he was hanging out with some girl is just hilarious! Imagine the fun he had with all these teenage fans asking for autographs! xD
Although he did sign autographs sometimes (we have proof in this video ), the whole situation seems to have been annoying and awkward to him and I can totally understand why he didn’t want to be River Phoenix that night, but just Rio.
I think it’s hilarious though!! "I don’t do autographs" -> girl almost crying. Riv: Okay, okay, don’t cry, here.
xD