River Orion Collins

River Collins died on June 24th, 2025. He was 15 years old and a rising sophomore at Longleaf School of the Arts in Raleigh. He will be forever missed by his mother, Kerrith McDowell; his grandmother, Judith McDowell; and a large contingent of uncles, aunts, and cousins. River was a musician. He played baritone saxophone. He loved creating music videos with his younger brother, Jet. River was known for his beautiful red hair that stretched down to his shoulders in thick waves. Along with his music, River also loved swimming and was on several swim teams in the Raleigh area over the years. He was a member of the Edgebrook Swim Club. He was known for his quick whistle and his willingness to let younger kids play games on his phone. Along with his lifeguarding duties, he helped run the snack bar and enjoyed interacting with fellow lifeguards and members of the local community. Lifeguarding was a natural fit for him as he enjoyed taking charge and keeping people safe much to the dismay of his little brother. He was looking forward to spending next summer with this aunt and uncle at the Jersey shore to lifeguard at the ocean. River loved cars and was going to get his driver's license in October. He enjoyed car shows and dreamt of buying himself a fancy sports car one day. He jumped at any chance to drive. River was a good, careful, and serious young driver. Since getting his permit his Mom rarely got to drive her car.

River loved going to concerts, especially going to hear his favorite local band; Everything Yes.

River was kind, gentle and inclusive as evidences by how his friends sought his advice and counsel. He enjoyed spending time with his best friend, Jacob; who he met in middle school and together they navigated 9th grad. He had a quiet, dry sense of humor and was an observer. He enjoyed challenges, new adventures, and his beloved cats. River was very empathetic. River loved animals and was a volunteer at 5 Hearts Therapeutic Horsemanship for several years where he enjoyed working with the children and horses. River took the role of "big brother" very seriously, his brother did not always express his gratitude.

River will be missed in every waking and sleeping moment for all of us who knew him and loved him. He was a quiet and beautiful light in our world. We will listen closely to hear his beautiful music in our hearts and celebrate his gentle spirit as we go forward.

River spent a week last summer in Newfoundland with his Mother, Grandmother and younger brother. While there he and his Grandmother worked on his summer reading assignment, The Midnight Library, by Matt Haig. Here's a quote from River taken from his assignment. May River's words inspire us all to embrace the challenges of life:

Overcoming challenges; "So far in my life there have been many challenges because I'm an introvert. Sometimes new opportunities can be very frightening. When I was chosen for a play called "Into the Woods", I didn't think I could do it and I thought I wasn't going to make it through the first show but my friends and teacher, Dr. Guyton, made me feel more comfortable during the shows. Once I began rehearsing for a few months, I realized that I could do it and on the show night I made it and was so relieved after and I knew I could do it for the next two shows. And after the play was over I wished I could go back and do it again."

In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to the gofundme set up to support River's family during this time.