The Sad Final Moment Of River Phoenix Witnessed By Johnny Depp And Flea

River Phoenix was among the few most beloved actors of the early 1990s. He became famous for his acting and good looks, as the young star was the whole package and charmed everyone. The actor destined for greatness hated the fame he received. Still, it also provided him with a platform to raise awareness about specific issues like vegetarianism and the environment, which he felt deeply about. Although he wanted to be a role model in the industry, fame eventually got to him, especially the hard drugs and the infamous Hollywood nightlife that shattered what everyone held dear.

Phoenix was on the same level as today’s Leonarda Dicaprio and Keanu Reeves and quickly caught the wave of success in the film industry with his breakout role in ‘Stand by Me’ in 1896. Only three years later, he was nominated for an Oscar for his performance in ‘Running on Empty.’ Besides his many roles in different movies, he was passionate about music, a few of which ended up in the films he acted in, like ‘Heart to Get’ in ‘A Night in the Life of Jimmy Reardon,’ and ‘Lone Star State of Mine,’ working on the film ‘The Thing Called Love’ in 1993.

The young star even started a band with his sister Rain called Aleka’s Attic. Although their venture didn’t last very long, the band had some highlights, including the track ‘Note to a Friend’ released on the 1996 benefit album ‘In Defense of Animals.’ Volume II even featured Flea of Red Hot Chili Peppers on bass. River Phoenix had a close relationship with RHCP, and he even collaborated with his friend John Frusciante on the two songs released on Frusciante’s second solo album.

Even though everything seemed to be going right for River, the actor might have been struggling more than he let everyone around him know. Unfortunately, he tragically passed away at 23. The night unraveled shockingly and devastatingly for so many, especially for his siblings and girlfriend, Samantha Mathis, who were present that night.

Before meeting up with his girlfriend, the young star had been on a massive drug binge with Red Hot Chili Peppers guitarist John Frusciante. So, his body was already probably quite tired when he and his girlfriend decided to drop by the Viper Room, which Johnny Depp owned.

Mathis realized River was quite high when they entered the Viper Room. She wanted to leave, but he wanted to stay, and before she knew it, the actor was on the floor. Phoenix had dropped to the ground and went into convulsions on the pavement. Nobody was there to help, and by the time the ambulance came, he was already gone, said Mathis to The Guardian.

Entertainment reported what happened to River that night by speaking to the people who were at the scene, Johnny Depp and Flea. Depp was “jamming on stage when Phoenix collapsed, he rushed outside to find paramedics lifting the actor into an ambulance,” and Flea “was performing with Depp and company when River collapsed. He rode in the ambulance that took Phoenix from the club to Cedars-Sinai Medical Center.”

After he passed away, most people had their theories about how the gorgeous boy with such great aspirations had such an unfortunate end. For many, the actor remains one of the most sensitive souls that graced the industry. The actor, who was a sure success, has left a void in the industry that will always be hard to fill.