In Loving Memory of Rivers Bond and Erika Lott
A Community Mourns a Heartbreaking Loss
He was only 12 years old—just a sixth-grader with a whole life ahead of him. Rivers Bond and his mother, Erika Lott, tragically lost their lives after their vehicle was swept away by sudden floodwaters near SE 12th and Eastern. It was a quiet part of town, not known for flooding—until that fateful day when the rains came fast and strong, turning ordinary roads into rivers.
Rescuers searched tirelessly through the night, holding onto hope with each passing hour. But by morning, the heartbreaking reality set in: Rivers and Erika didn’t make it. One other person in the car managed to escape, but for this mother and son, the swift current proved too much.
Now, a family is broken, a school is in mourning, and a community is left grappling with a pain that words can barely touch.
A Young Life Full of Promise
Rivers was the kind of kid who made people smile—bright-eyed, curious, and kind-hearted. He was that student who made friends easily, the one who would help pick up someone’s books or offer a kind word when it was needed most. Teachers remember him for his creativity, his gentle nature, and the way his face would light up when he talked about things he loved.
Though just in the sixth grade, Rivers had a quiet strength and a sweet spirit that left a lasting impression. He was more than a student—he was a friend, a son, a light in the lives of those who knew him.
A Mother’s Love
Erika Lott was a devoted mother who loved her son fiercely. The two were known for their close bond—inseparable in many ways. Friends describe Erika as caring, supportive, and always willing to go the extra mile for those she loved. She worked hard to provide a good life for her family, and everything she did, she did with Rivers in mind.
That their lives ended together is a sorrow almost too deep to bear, but it also speaks to their closeness—a love that never wavered, even in the most terrifying of moments.
A School in Mourning
At Rivers’ school, grief hangs heavy in the hallways. Teachers and classmates are struggling to process the sudden loss of someone so young, so full of life. Counselors have been made available, and grief support sessions are being offered, but the questions linger: How could this happen? Why Rivers?
Students have begun creating a memorial space in his honor—handwritten notes, drawings, flowers, and candles forming a quiet tribute to a classmate gone too soon.
The Unexpected Power of Water
This tragedy has also shaken a community into awareness. The area where the accident occurred isn’t known for flooding, and yet the water came with force and speed. In a matter of minutes, a mother and son were caught in a situation no one could have foreseen. It’s a sobering reminder of nature’s unpredictability—and the fragility of life.
Local officials have promised to look into the area’s infrastructure and response capabilities. But in the meantime, the loss remains—raw and painful.
Holding Their Memory Close
In the coming days and weeks, there will be vigils. There will be tears. There will be long, quiet moments filled with heartbreak. But there will also be stories—memories of Rivers’ bright smile and Erika’s strength. The people who knew them will keep telling those stories, because their lives mattered, and their love left a mark on this world.
As we grieve, let us hold tight to each other. Let us honor their memory by cherishing every moment with those we love. And let us extend compassion to those who are hurting, especially the Bond-Lott family, as they face a loss no one should ever have to endure.
With Our Deepest Sympathy
To the family and friends of Rivers Bond and Erika Lott, please know you are not alone. This community mourns with you, and we are here to walk beside you in the days ahead. May their memories be a blessing, and may their love live on in all of us.
“Gone from our sight, but never from our hearts.”
Rest in peace, sweet Rivers and loving Erika. You will never be forgotten
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