Family of talented teenage basketballer who died in freak accident at a popular Aussie beach break their silence
- Riahne Vasquez drowned on Sunday night
- His body was found on Monday
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The family of an 18-year-old identified as the young man who died after a sandbar suddenly collapsed, dunking him into the water and dragging him out to sea has spoken out.
Riahne Vasquez, 18, was standing on the sandbar with three friends, also teenagers, at Soldiers Beach, off Norah Head on the NSW Central Coast, when it gave way on Sunday night.
All four of the group were plunged into the water, but two of the boys managed to swim to shore on their own. A third was rescued by nearby surfers.
Sadly, Riahne's body was found floating in the shallows about midday on Monday following an overnight search involving helicopters, drones, divers and boats.
The teenager's family spent a long night pacing the beach and watching as searchers struggled against 15-knot winds and three-metre swells.
With 'deep sadness' they released a statement on Tuesday that confirmed the teenager's 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.
'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.'
The body of Riahne Vasquez (pictured) was found on Monday following an overnight search
Riahne had been standing on a sandbar at Soldiers Beach (pictured) when the sand gave way beneath him
One witness said of the search: 'There was nothing we could do but just observe.'
NSW Police Supt Chad Gillies said Riahne's family was traumatised by the events.
He was a talented basketball player with the Central Coast Waves.
'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.'
A report will be prepared for the coroner.
Earlier this year in March, a man died at the same beach after suffering a medical episode on the sand.
In September a swimmer was pulled unconscious from the water and was unable to be revived.
Locals said the beach is popular among divers due to a shipwreck off its shore, but its strong rip currents can pose a deadly risk to unprepared swimmers.
