Riley Thoren

Riley Patrick Thoren of Carmel, IN, passed away on July 12, 2025, at the age of 21. He was born in Indianapolis, IN, on March 12, 2004, to parents, Paul Thoren and Jill (Stenske) Major.

Riley was a graduate of Carmel High School and a rising senior at Indiana University, where he studied finance at the Kelley School of Business. He earned highest honors for his academic achievement and was known for his sharp mind and entrepreneurial spirit. Riley dreamed of one day being his own boss and building something uniquely his. He was a beloved member of Sigma Alpha Epsilon fraternity and believed deeply that life’s greatest lessons came from experiences. This belief fueled his love of travel – he spent part of his childhood in Australia and, most recently, studied abroad in Madrid, Spain, exploring much of Europe and beyond. Among his favorite places in the world are Australia, Belize, Malta, and Portugal.

A gifted athlete, Riley excelled at basketball, football, and especially baseball, but he truly loved all sports – anything with a ball – and was always ready to join a game. He also enjoyed watching sports and was consistently loyal, win or lose, to his favorite teams—the Washington Commanders, the Indiana Hoosiers, and the Oklahoma City Thunder. Whether he was playing or watching, Riley was fiercely competitive, from the baseball field to the ping pong table. That drive extended beyond sports and showed in everything he did - he relished the challenge of setting goals, from health to investing, and constantly strived to better himself and those around him. His most recent mantra was: What would “FUTURE YOU” do?

Riley had a special way with kids of all ages and connected easily through laughter, play, and kindness. He had an eclectic taste in music - always a conversation starter - and loved to blare his favorite songs in the car or sing in the shower. He was known and loved by so many for his unique perspective on life, his goofy sense of humor, and his laugh that could light up a room. He approached the world with curiosity, ambition, and an open heart - and he left an unforgettable mark on everyone who knew him.

Riley is survived by father, Paul (Ashley) Thoren; mother, Jill (Paul) Major; siblings, Brooke Thoren, Annie Thoren, Eryn Major, Abbey Major, Sarah Major, Owen Prickett, and Kendall Prickett; grandparents, John Stenske, Paul (Suzan) Thoren II; step-grandparents, William (Barbara) Couch, and Colin (Tina) Major. He was preceded in death by his grandmother Jane Stenske.

Riley’s Celebration of Life will be held on Wednesday, July 23, 2025, from 4-7 p.m. at the Ritz Charles (12156 N. Meridian St.) in Carmel, IN. In honor of Riley’s preference for bold and colorful fashion choices, guests are encouraged to wear bright, cheerful attire.

If you’d like to honor Riley and his passion for meaningful experiences, donations may be made to Make-A-Wish. To honor his commitment to athletics and academic achievement, contributions may be made to the Riley Thoren Scholarship Fund, which will support college education for student-athletes at Carmel High School.