River Bennett McElroy

River Bennett McElroy, age 17, of Farwell, Texas, died on March 8, 2026 in Clovis, New Mexico. He was born on August 14, 2008 in Lubbock, Texas to Eric McElroy and Ashley (Pool) McElroy.

River loved deeply—his friends, his family, and especially his siblings. His faith became a central part of his life after he gave his life to Christ on December 10, 2025. A natural athlete, he competed in football, basketball, golf, tennis, and track and field throughout his childhood and high school years. He found equal joy in the camaraderie of his teammates and friends as he did in the sports themselves. Seasonal pursuits such as skiing in the mountains, hunting, and wake surfing brought him genuine happiness.

River had a gift for connecting with others. He never met a stranger and made friends wherever he went. With a tender heart and sincere kindness, he had a remarkable ability to make every person feel valued and important. He possessed a curious mind and a talent with words, enjoying thoughtful debate and dreaming of becoming a lawyer. River also loved discovering new music across genres, collecting a wide variety of colognes, and expressing his unique personal style that made him stand out in any crowd. Through his quick wit and genuine acts of kindness, he brought smiles and light to those around him.

River is survived by his parents, Ashley McElroy of Muleshoe, Texas and Eric McElroy and his wife, Mallory of Farwell, Texas; his sisters, Harper McElroy and Vennette McElroy of Farwell, Texas; his brother, Ryder McElroy of Farwell, Texas; his grandparents, Don McElroy and his wife, Ann of San Saba, Texas, Tonya Pool of Farwell, Texas and Nick Olenik of Lubbock, Texas; his aunts, Stacy Johnson and her husband, Bill, Reagan Hatch and her husband, Adam, Maegan Chisholm and her husband, Chris, and Maudie Cook; his uncle, Jordan Pool and his wife, Ashley; and many cousins. He was preceded in death by his grandfather, Marshall Pool; his grandmother, Lisa McElroy; and his grandmother, Vennette Olenik.