Curious, handsome, sensitive, intelligent, loyal, loving… an extraordinary soul
Known for his intelligence, discipline, and deep empathy for others, Christopher was book-smart and tech-savvy, with a natural ability to connect with people. He made others feel safe, often becoming a trusted listener even when meeting someone for the first time. He had a warm presence, a contagious smile, and was deeply caring—a sensitive soul who valued compassion and understanding.
As a child, Christopher loved building with Legos, playing tennis, and spending time on the Xbox, where he went by the name “Frost.” He also enjoyed dressing up for formal events and being part of special gatherings.
Christopher’s life was centered on those closest to him—his younger brother, Chase, his stepbrothers, Tanner and Steve, his father, David, and his stepfather, John. Family was always important to him, and he treasured family ski vacations. He also maintained long-standing friendships, including his childhood friend Keith and his close friend Cairen.
While managing significant health challenges and substance use disorder, Christopher graduated from Augusta State University. He later returned to school to pursue a graduate degree in social work, motivated by his desire to help others. He had a job at a health store where he enjoyed the opportunity to inform customers on protocols for good health.
In college, Christopher began a personal exploration of faith and spirituality. He studied Catholicism and Christianity, embracing a path centered on love and compassion. Christopher believed that life’s purpose was to learn how to love—both oneself and others—and to give without expecting anything in return. He converted to Catholicism and was a member of the Knights of Columbus.
During surgeries for ulcerative colitis, Christopher was overprescribed opioids on multiple occasions. The drugs hijacked his brain, beginning his 14-year fight with addiction. His mother, Cammie, remembers the incident: “He went into the hospital with one disease and came out with another disease: addiction, which took his self-esteem and ultimately his life.” Despite his own struggles, he showed up for others. Many people who were in treatment centers with Christopher shared that he helped them in their recovery journey.
In the final two weeks of his life, Christopher and his mother, Cammie, traveled together on a mission trip. They explored Hong Kong, where they had a spa day, went to horse races, and went to the movies. After Hong Kong, they went on to Cambodia. On the day they arrived, Christopher visited a Buddhist temple. The temple happened to be celebrating a holiday centered on the cleansing of sins. He died a few days later.
It took Cammie two years after Christopher’s passing to admit that he overdosed because of the stigma associated. Now, she shares his story at every opportunity, stating: “Silence kills, and we must use a different vocabulary and stop the stigma.” She has since started a non-profit called CWC Alliance, focused on prevention. After experiencing firsthand the many ways hospitals failed Christopher, she created a new position to amend that: a Life Care Specialist. The position is based on everything Christopher needed but didn’t receive.
Cammie misses everything about Christopher: his laugh, his smile, his great hugs, even breathing his air. He was an extraordinary soul. Christopher is remembered by his deep empathy, loving nature, and ability to make others feel seen and understood.
Christopher’s mother, Cammie Rice, provided the information for this narrative.
September 18, 1983–February 26, 2016–Age 32
Portrait Artist: Clayton Conner
Narrative Writer: Barbara Francois
