For a long time, various rumors circulated about the cause of Matthew Garber’s death. Some suspected a mysterious viral infection, while others speculated about drug or alcohol abuse. Clarity was finally provided by an interview his younger brother, Fergus Garber, gave to the Mail on Sunday in 2005: According to the interview, Matthew contracted hepatitis in 1976 while traveling in India after eating spoiled meat. Fergus also made it clear that his brother had not used drugs.

River Phoenix was considered one of the most promising talents of his generation. With films like “Stand by Me,” he became a celebrated teen star at a young age. He later impressively demonstrated his depth as an actor in “My Private Idaho.” On October 31, 1993, Phoenix died of an overdose outside the legendary Viper Room in Los Angeles at the age of just 23—a shock to Hollywood and his fans worldwide. Despite his untimely death, he left behind a remarkable cinematic legacy and remains unforgettable as an extraordinary artist.