A young Filipino-Australian basketball player is being remembered as a bright, humble, and deeply loved member of the community after he tragically lost his life at Soldiers Beach on the NSW Central Coast on Sunday night.
Eighteen-year-old Riahne Louie “Chuck” Vasquez was standing on a sandbar with three friends when it suddenly collapsed, sweeping two of them into the water. Emergency services were called to Norah Head shortly after 8pm.
According to NSW Police, a 16-year-old boy and an 18-year-old man managed to swim back to shore. Two surfers rescued another 18-year-old who had been pulled into the surf. However, the fourth teen—believed to be Riahne—was swept out to sea.
A major search involving police, surf lifesavers, Marine Rescue volunteers, and PolAir was launched. On Monday morning, shortly before 11am, police divers located a body. While formal identification is pending, authorities believe it to be Riahne.
Friends and teammates were seen embracing each other on the shoreline, grappling with the devastating news.
An Inspiration On and Off the Court
Riahne’s passing has left a profound impact across the AUSA Hoops, Central Coast Waves, and Sydney Liga Basketball communities, where he was admired not only for his skill but for his humility, kindness, and respect for others.
AUSA Hoops remembered him as a “genuine soul,” saying his kindness and passion for the game touched everyone around him.
Central Coast Waves Basketball described him as a vibrant young man whose love for the game and respect for his teammates left a lasting legacy.
The Sydney Liga Basketball Association also paid tribute, sharing heartfelt memories of Riahne’s growth in the sport:
“I honestly don’t know what to say. I may not have known Riahne for very long, but I saw him often throughout his basketball journey—from his early days at just 15 with Higgins Crew to more recently with Elite Basketball.
I can say with certainty that he was humble, kind, and respectful. Tragically, he passed away on Monday.
We ask everyone in our community to keep his family in their prayers. For any parent, this is the worst pain imaginable. If you are able, please consider offering a donation to support them as they prepare to lay him to his eternal rest.”
Community Rallies Behind the Vasquez Family
A GoFundMe page has been launched to support the Vasquez family during this unimaginable time. Organisers say the funds will help ease immediate and ongoing expenses as they navigate their grief.
“No family should ever have to endure such tragedy,” the fundraiser states, adding that sharing the page—whether or not people can donate—would be a significant help.
All funds raised will go directly to the family.
The official fundraiser can be found here:
https://www.gofundme.com/f/riahne-chuck-vasquez
Remembering Riahne
Riahne is being remembered as a talented athlete, a respectful teammate, and a wonderful soul whose presence left a mark on everyone he met. His legacy—his warmth, work ethic, and love for basketball—will continue to live on in the hearts of his teammates, coaches, and the wider community.
As messages of love and support continue to pour in, the Filipino-Australian community joins the Central Coast in mourning a life taken far too soon.
