Central Coast community mourns and pays tribute to Filipino Australian teen drowning victim

The Central Coast community grieves the loss of 18-year-old basketball player Riahne “Chuckie” Vasquez, who tragically drowned at Soldiers Beach

The Central Coast community grieves the loss of 18-year-old basketball player Riahne “Chuckie” Vasquez, who tragically drowned at Soldiers Beach Credit: Supplied by Romeo Vasquez / Milan Rose

The Central Coast community grieves the loss of 18-year-old basketball player Riahne “Chuckie” Vasquez, who tragically drowned at Soldiers Beach. Friends, family, and the basketball community have come together to honour his life and legacy.


Key Points
  • Riahne “Chuckie” Vasquez was a rising basketball talent and a cherished member of the Central Coast Waves and Higgins Crew, admired for his kindness, dedication, and sportsmanship.
  • According to authorities, he was swept away by strong waves on Sunday night, and his body was found the following day after an extensive search operation by police and rescue teams.
  • A tribute at Niagara Park Stadium gathered teammates, friends, and supporters to celebrate his life, offering prayers, candles, and heartfelt messages of remembrance.
The Central Coast community grieves the loss of 18-year-old basketball player Riahne “Chuckie” Vasquez, who tragically drowned at Soldiers Beach. Friends, family, and the basketball community have come together to honour his life and legacy.
The Central Coast community grieves the loss of 18-year-old basketball player Riahne “Chuckie” Vasquez, who tragically drowned at Soldiers Beach. Friends, family, and the basketball community have come together to honour his life and legacy. Credit: Milan Rose
The Central Coast community grieves the loss of 18-year-old basketball player Riahne “Chuckie” Vasquez, who tragically drowned at Soldiers Beach. Friends, family, and the basketball community have come together to honour his life and legacy.
The Central Coast community grieves the loss of 18-year-old basketball player Riahne “Chuckie” Vasquez, who tragically drowned at Soldiers Beach. Friends, family, and the basketball community have come together to honour his life and legacy. Credit: Milan Rose
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