Lucasfilm Immortalized The Hero Fan 21-Year-Old Who Died Stopping A School Shooter As A Jedi
More info: Tik Tok | Facebook
Image credits: Lauren Westmoreland
“He loved Star Wars, birds, cards, snowboarding, going to the lake, Kentucky Hot Browns cooking from scratch with cast iron while listening to the Feel Good Classic Soul playlist, and his Lauren,” Riley’s family told the media. “He could also put away a pizza.” Following the tragic death of the college student, people commemorated him in many different ways. But Riley’s family feels that the most recent commemoration is the most fitting one.
Lauren Westmoreland, Riley’s girlfriend of almost six years, recently announced a heartwarming tribute to the late hero in a TikTok video. Apparently, Riley is immortalized in the new book named Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker — The Visual Dictionary. In it, Riley becomes “Ri-Lee Howell – a Jedi Master and historian of the Jedi Order.” Lucasfilm, the studio behind the Star Wars movies, has created a new character in its storied mythology, and let the Howell family know by sending them a heartfelt letter.
“Riley’s courage and selflessness brings out the Jedi in all of us. We hope you may rejoice in his memory, and we join you in honoring his life and example,” the letter went. “All of us here extend our deepest condolences. The Force will be with Riley, and all of you, always.”
Lauren says that Riley grew up watching the Star Wars films and was a huge fan of the franchise, therefore this tribute is especially moving to the hero’s family.
In the TikTok video, Lauren said: “Thanks for giving my love the perfect Christmas present ever, and making him a part of the Star Wars universe perpetually.”
“Having this positive thing come out this time of year, it’s just the best Christmas gift any of us could’ve ever received given the circumstances,” she added. “It makes it just a little bit okay,” Lauren told the media.
Image credits: MatthewWestmoreland
Here’s what people online had to say
60Kviews
Share on FacebookI don't think anyone else could have been worthy of the 'Jedi Master' title than Riley. What a nice thing for Lucusfilm to do!
Not a soldier, but he still laid his life down for his classmates. Not a police officer, yet he took the bullet to avoid further bloodshed. He had no super powers, except for a deep compassion for his fellow man. He is the very definition of a Jedi Master. He is and always will be one with the Force.
Some achieve their destiny early, many never do. Riley prepared for his and met it head on. Always a hero.
The fact this is a thing that can befall a teenager in an American school just breaks my heart more than I can say. No family should ever have to contend with the possibility of losing their loved one to a school shooting... I'm glad Lucasfilm did this, but its just so unbearably sad. What a hero this boy was.
People always say that "The force is strong with this one", but until you hear what Riley did, nobody is anywhere close to being strong with the force. Thank you Riley for risking your life for others.
The shooter gave up after Riley tackled him. Whatever grudge or misguided fantasy the shooter had was crushed by Riley sacrificing himself.
Lovely. Hope they don't retract it as it hasn't been kept confidential like they asked
So of course someone has to try to spoil a beautiful gesture with their own politics. Shame on you for trying to tarnish this memorial to a brave young man.
Load More Replies...I don't think anyone else could have been worthy of the 'Jedi Master' title than Riley. What a nice thing for Lucusfilm to do!
Not a soldier, but he still laid his life down for his classmates. Not a police officer, yet he took the bullet to avoid further bloodshed. He had no super powers, except for a deep compassion for his fellow man. He is the very definition of a Jedi Master. He is and always will be one with the Force.
Some achieve their destiny early, many never do. Riley prepared for his and met it head on. Always a hero.
The fact this is a thing that can befall a teenager in an American school just breaks my heart more than I can say. No family should ever have to contend with the possibility of losing their loved one to a school shooting... I'm glad Lucasfilm did this, but its just so unbearably sad. What a hero this boy was.
People always say that "The force is strong with this one", but until you hear what Riley did, nobody is anywhere close to being strong with the force. Thank you Riley for risking your life for others.
The shooter gave up after Riley tackled him. Whatever grudge or misguided fantasy the shooter had was crushed by Riley sacrificing himself.
Lovely. Hope they don't retract it as it hasn't been kept confidential like they asked
So of course someone has to try to spoil a beautiful gesture with their own politics. Shame on you for trying to tarnish this memorial to a brave young man.
Load More Replies...
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