A 26-year-old woman from Sacramento, Tiera Rivers, is being remembered as a selfless and loving sister after she was tragically killed while trying to protect her older sibling during a domestic violence dispute. The heartbreaking incident happened on April 19, 2025, and has left her family and community in deep grief.
Tragedy Unfolds During Heated Dispute
Tiera was staying at an apartment complex in Sacramento when she walked in on a heated argument between her sister Amber Rivers and Amber’s ex-boyfriend, according to KCRA-3. What started as a verbal fight quickly turned violent.
“My sister tried to protect me, and she lost her life while doing so,” Amber shared. “I was trying to help her the best I could.”
Later that day, police confirmed that the ex-boyfriend involved in the incident died by suicide following the shooting. His name has not yet been made public.
A Sister Remembered for Her Kindness
Tiera’s younger sister, Sydney Rivers, described her as “goofy,” full of life, and always caring for others.
“She definitely made sure we were always good,” Sydney said. “She had a protective heart.”
The family says Tiera was the kind of person who always looked after her loved ones and brought laughter and light to those around her.
Turning Grief Into Advocacy
Now, Tiera’s family is working to turn their pain into purpose. Her sister Amber announced plans to launch a new organization in her memory called “Tiera Rivers’ Sisters Against Spousal Abuse.” The goal is to help women facing domestic violence, offering support, resources, and possibly a safe way out of dangerous situations.
“We want to help women in the world that are experiencing similar things,” Amber said. “So this doesn’t happen to somebody else.”
A GoFundMe page set up by the family calls Tiera “a beautiful young princess who brought so much joy to our lives,” adding that “the pain of losing her is unimaginable.”
A Call for Change
Tiera’s story is a painful reminder of how domestic and intimate partner violence can lead to deadly consequences—not only for the victim but for those who try to step in and help.
The Rivers family hopes her death will inspire action and awareness, saving others from suffering the same fate. They plan to honor Tiera’s courage by offering hope and help to women in abusive relationships.
“Any type of help, so we can be there to help them,” Amber said. “So this doesn’t happen to somebody else.”
If you or someone you know is experiencing domestic violence, support is available. Contact the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-799-7233
