'Beautiful soul': Tributes for talented young basketballer who drowned in sandbar collapse

Tuesday, 25 November 2025 14:15

The 18-year-old was "cherished by everyone", his club said in a statement.

A talented 18-year-old basketballer who drowned at a beach off the NSW Central Coast has been remembered as a "beautiful soul" who was "cherished by everyone".

Riahne Louie "Chuckie" Vasquez and three friends were on a sandbar at Soldiers Beach at Norah Head on Sunday night when it collapsed.

He disappeared into the water while a 16-year-old boy and an 18-year-old man made it back to shore. Another 18-year-old man was rescued by nearby surfers.

Yesterday morning, search crews found a body believed to belong to Vasquez.

A formal identification process is underway, and police are preparing a report for the coroner.

Vasquez's heartbroken family said it was with "deep sadness in our hearts" that they confirmed his death.

"His journey here on earth has come to a peaceful end, and while we are grieving, we take comfort knowing he is now embraced by God's eternal light and love," his family said.

"As we go through this difficult time, we ask for your prayers for Chuckie and for our family. May he rest in God's eternal peace."

Vasquez would have turned 19 next month.

He was a basketballer on the Central Coast and competed in the Filipino Student Council of NSW's Tulong Liga earlier this year in May.

He played for the Central Coast Waves, which issued a statement paying tribute to the talented young man.

"Riahne was a remarkable young man, respected by his peers, admired by coaches, and cherished by everyone who had the privilege of knowing him," the club said in a statement.

"His loss leaves a profound hole in our club and in the hearts of all who played alongside him.

"Waves Basketball will be offering support to all players, staff, and families who have been affected.

"Riahne will forever remain part of the Waves family. Fly high baller. May he rest in peace."

The community has been invited to attend a Waves Basketball game at Niagara Park Stadium this evening to pay their respects and offer their support.

His team will be holding a minute's silence before tip-off.

Vasquez's friends and loved ones have remembered him as an "inspiration", a "beautiful soul", and "loved by many".

"The thought of your passing still feels unreal, and the weight of it is both heartbreaking and tragic," one said on social media.

"Chuckie was a beautiful soul and was loved by many and an inspiration to all the young basketball players," another added.

"He was my idol and my inspiration for playing the triple drum. Sadly, he is no longer with us. Rest in peace, Chuck," a third said.

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