Tragic Mississippi River Incident Claims Life of Millington Man

Written with A.I. assistance.

A Millington woman was left devastated after her fiancé, Gary Riley, 47, lost his life during a fishing trip on the Mississippi River early Friday morning. Riley's boat capsized, resulting in his death and nearly drowning another man.

Katie Porter, Riley's fiancée, described the incident as a heartbreaking reminder of how quickly life can change. Riley, an HVAC specialist and the primary breadwinner for their household, had ventured out on the river with a friend, hoping to replicate his recent success after catching a large catfish there the week before.

Gary Riley with his wife and kidsPhoto byKatie Porter

According to Porter, Riley's friend reported that their six-foot motorboat began to take on water. Riley attempted to pump out the water but was not wearing a life jacket at the time. Although he was a skilled swimmer, he struggled to survive the incident.

Porter expressed regret over the safety precaution they had discussed. “He should have been wearing the life jacket. We had a conversation about the life jacket,” she said. Riley leaves behind Porter, their two small children, and two adult children from a previous marriage.

In the wake of this tragedy, Porter has set up a GoFundMe page to cover funeral expenses and support her family during this difficult time. “This is a devastating time for everyone. No one likes to ask for help, but I’m to the point where I don’t know what else to do. He did everything for me,” Porter said.

She described Riley as a selfless individual who would have given anyone the shirt off his back. “He was a great father and loved his children deeply,” Porter added. She has yet to inform their young children of the tragic news and is seeking guidance on how to break it to them gently.

Porter is also awaiting further information from police and rescue teams regarding the circumstances of the boat's capsizing and Riley’s subsequent drowning.