"You knew when he walked in the room, as that wide smile arrived first on his tall and sturdy frame. At 21 years old, Riley Howell was a big kid, who loved life, his family, and his soul mate Lauren.
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He was everyone’s protector, always standing up for what he believed in and lending a strong back to those in need. On the high school soccer field he was the goalkeeper, fearless, leading from the back, and the last line of defense.
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As a runner he was always racing against himself while at the same time pushing his teammates to achieve their personal bests. Riley made it easy to be his friend. His laid back demeanor belied his innate desire to make a meaningful impact on your life.
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He made you feel special, he asked all the right questions, and always seemed available when you needed him most. Riley considered a career in the military or firefighting before enrolling in college.
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He relished the big challenges, whether it be jumping from the highest cliff into the water below or power lifting competitions at the gym. Once committed to something- he never gave up, never gave in, and gave everything he had- always.
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In life you count yourself blessed to have a son or friend like Riley Howell. While his path was not always certain, it was not without purpose. His faith was strong and he knew what he had to do when people needed him most.
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He was always the guy you could count on and he delivered. His parents, Thomas and Natalie, sisters and brother, Iris, Juliet and Teddy, and girlfriend, Lauren- thank everyone for being with them during this very difficult time.
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Riley has been their hero for a long time and now they share him with so many others." (end) (pic is of Riley from his HS graduation)pic.twitter.com/a3Mg7NnxzL
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More from the UNCC Chancellor about Riley: Riley Howell, of Waynesville, NC, was a 21-year-old Environmental Studies major who enrolled in UNC Charlotte in Fall 2018 as a transfer from Asheville-Buncombe Technical Community College.
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Riley loved the outdoors, and Star Wars, and pizza; he played soccer and ran cross country in high school and was described by those close to him as upbeat and optimistic, and always with a smile on his face.
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Riley's family describes him as always putting others ahead of himself, and nothing exemplifies that more than his final, heroic actions in defense of his fellow students. We will not forget Riley." UNCC faculty have approved Degrees in Memoriam for both Riley and Reed Parlier.
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