PERTH, Australia – A brother of former Winona State University basketball forward Ariel Riak eulogized him as “selfless” and “a gentle soul.” Although he finished prep school in Perth in 2016, Ariel Riak returned often for visits and was a role model, said Thon Rial. He had played with the semi-pro Warwick =Senators had just been signed by the Darwin Salties, the brother noted. “Despite these commitments, Alier still made time to influence and mentor the young people around him, his Thon Riak recalled. “Alier returns yearly to John Septimus Roe to provide guidance for aspiring basketball players.” Thon set up a crowdfunding page to raise money for the family to transport the body across the continent from Melbourne. A goal of AUD $40,000 was quickly surpassed at AUD $55,000.
Fond memories. His brother said: “Simply put, Alier was honest and beautiful in all aspects of life.”