NASHVILLE, Tenn. – State Rep. Mike Sparks, R-Smyrna, last week honored the life of Rivers “Riv” Kelleher on the House floor at the State Capitol in Nashville. Kelleher died by suicide on Sept. 12, 2025, just eight days before her 15th birthday.
Sparks was joined by a bipartisan group of lawmakers to recognize several individuals and organizations working to address adolescent mental health, bullying and the harmful effects of social media on children, including the We Live for Riv movement, the Jason Foundation, the Tennessee Suicide Prevention Network, and the Tennessee Department of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services.
“Riv Kelleher was a vital part of her community, and her tragic passing has been felt across the state,” said Sparks. “It was an honor to stand beside her father, Avery, to recognize the people and groups leading the charge to tackle the youth mental health crisis that continues to plague our state and nation. We must find innovative ways to improve the emotional well-being of all Tennesseans, and I remain committed to being part of that fight.”
Sparks presented Avery Kelleher, Riv’s father, and Clark Flatt of the Jason Foundation with a copy of House Joint Resolution 1053, which Gov. Bill Lee signed on March 18. The resolution recognizes Riv’s life and the work of mental health advocates across Tennessee.
“We are now a template in the nation when other states look at doing something for suicide awareness and prevention in their state, they look toward Tennessee,” Flatt said on the House floor.
People experiencing a mental health emergency are encouraged to call or text 988 and press 0 to speak with a trained counselor. A chat option is available at 988lifeline.org.
State Rep. Mike Sparks of Smyrna represents District 49 in the Tennessee House of Representatives, which includes part of Rutherford County.