06/09/2026
"Riley had a heart of gold and had made an impact on many people in his short life," said his mom, Deb. Riley Knapp grew up in Belle Plaine and Brook Park, Minnesota, a strawberry-blonde boy with a smile so bright his family called him "Smiley Riley." He was just 22 years old when he passed, only two weeks after his birthday.
Riley lived life fully and on his own terms. He spent weekends riding his 4-wheeler with friends, fishing on Lake Mille Lacs from the family cabin, and caring for his beloved pets, two parakeets, two dogs, and a houseful of cats. He took pride in his '08 Chevy Impala, customized with tinted windows and a stereo system his mom could hear from down the road. At home, he was a dedicated gamer. In school, his speed on the football field earned him a spot as wide receiver, and his scouting roots ran deep through years in Cub Scouts and Boy Scouts.
Riley is survived by his mom Deb, stepdad Paul, sister Taylor, and nephew Xavier, with another little one on the way.
We are so grateful for Riley's generous gift, which has touched lives near and far:
Two recipients received the gift of sight through corneal transplants supported by Lions Gift of Sight; one of Riley's corneas traveled all the way to Tunisia.
Other donations reached recipients in New Jersey, California, Arizona and Colorado.
"His life will live on in others," Deb said. "I am so proud of Riley for being an organ donor."
So are we, Deb. Thank you for your gift of sight, Riley. ♥️
