“There are no guarantees in life and I don’t believe any of us were promised that we would not experience ‘tragic moments’. I count it one of the greatest blessings by living in the moment and drawing upon inner knowing as a sacred pathway to navigate through life’s many challenges. River’s life and death taught me that, in no uncertain terms. I am in awe of the fact that he is very much alive in me. Thank you for all the precious messages that I have received through these past 30 years.”
Phoenix died in the early morning of Halloween 1993 outside the Los Angeles venue The Viper Room after he collapsed.
Phoenix’s girlfriend Samantha Mathis and younger brother Joaquin Phoenix were present at the time of his death.
Mathis previously told The Guardian: “I knew something was wrong that night, something I didn’t understand. I didn’t see anyone doing drugs but he was high in a way that made me feel uncomfortable — I was in way over my head.
“Forty-five minutes later, he was dead.”
