THE STORY BEHIND GABRIEL RICE WAY

Gabriel Rice was an extraordinary young man, with a life story reminiscent of cinematic narratives. He etched a lasting legacy within a team he recruited at the tender age of thirteen, a response to his former Our Lady of Lourdes teammates departing amidst a challenging losing streak. As the team's captain, Gabriel not only recruited his new comrades, but three years later, he led them to the finals, securing a victory in their division. Marked by his quiet demeanor and unwavering integrity, he stood firm against the prospect of giving up. Challenges never provoked complaints; instead, he embraced solutions with determination. His presence was a wellspring of encouragement for those around him, extending help to those in need, a trait he exemplified when he tragically lost his own life while attempting to save another.

My son, William Diaz, had the privilege of coaching Gabriel at YMCA basketball. Attending Gabriel's funeral alongside my son and his wife, I, though not familiar with who Gabriel was, instantly recognized the profound impact he had made. The funeral’s large viewing room overflowed into the hallway, as guests stood shoulder to shoulder, eager to pay their respects. It was a truly awe-inspiring sight. Ms. Thompson, Gabriel's mother, stood as a beacon of strength and grace amidst the sea of grieving hearts.

Six months before Gabriel’s passing, I had unveiled the street naming for Ossie Davis and Ruby Dee in Harlem, so my son proposed naming a street after Gabriel to his mother. He then asked if I would help guide Ms. Thompson through the street c0-naming process of honoring her beloved son. I gladly accepted and formed a meaningful friendship in the process.

 While Ms. Thompson and I encountered obstacles in this process, her friends and the community demonstrated unwavering support, rallying around Ms. Thompson without hesitation. This endeavor was undeniably a collective effort, bolstered by the invaluable backing we received from Council member Nantasha Williams.

Gabriel's teammates and friends continue to gather each year to celebrate his birthday alongside his mother, a testament to the enduring bond they share. This team journeys into the future, carrying forth Gabriel's spirit and unwavering character.

Minerva Diaz

The community that rallied and supported the street naming came out to witness the unveiling

Council member Nantasha Williams.

THE LOSS OF A FRIEND (essay)

Following the summer of 2019, I was aware that I was heading into a big school year. Junior year was approaching and the college process was ramping up. Many of my counselors informed me that Junior year was in fact, the most important year of high school. I came to school in September determined and ready to face whatever challenges the year might bring. However, nothing would've prepared me for the days between October 1st to October 6th.

Gabriel Rice, a very close friend of mine, had a heart like no one I'd ever seen. The things he would do for others at his age never ceased to amaze me. He always had warm words of encouragement and advice when his friends were going through hard times. One of my most memorable moments with Gabe was when he offered to tutor my little brother in math when he found out that he was struggling. This was when I realized that Gabriel had a rare quality: he would always put the needs of others before his own. This quality was put to the ultimate test on October 1st, 2019.

The last conversation I had with Gabe was around noon on October 1st. I was actually in school while he had the day off. We were just texting about the upcoming school year and how excited we were. We both had big expectations on furthering our education and athletics. I loved his soul because of how we always pushed each other. The last thing he told me was that he was going to the beach with his friend. By the time I got back home from school that day, my social media was full of reports about how Gabe was missing near Rockaway Beach. The fear and confusion that took over my body is hard to describe and reflect on to this day. I immediately called his phone more than ten times praying it wasn't true. I kept telling myself, "Somebody is just playing a sick joke". My heart cracked at every voicemail. Eye witnesses soon stated that they actually saw Gabriel go into the ocean to help his friend who was trapped in the treacherous waters. My anxiety for his hopeful return lasted for five days.

On October 6th, Gabriel Rice's body was found at sea and was pronounced dead. My heart was shattered into a million pieces. Not only did I lose a close friend, I lost somebody that looked up to as a role model. I lost the person that helped me see the good in the world.

Starting from that day, I found it impossible to move on. How could I continue to function knowing such a big piece of me was missing? I couldn't focus in school and genuinely didn't care about anything at that point. I had numerous visits with the school guidance counselor, but it just didn't seem to help me emotionally or mentally.

The only thought that brought me comfort during this time was the way Gabriel sacrificed his life in such a heroic way. He went into the waters to save his friend who unfortunately didn't make it out either. Gabe was looked upon as a Saint. His spirit wouldn't let me sit on the shore and do nothing while his friend was in trouble. He knew the danger he was putting himself into. Although I know grieving is natural, I also know Gabe wouldn't want me to drag down my life and ruin my future because of this. I think about my friend everyday, and I try to pass on his genuine virtue of generosity to every person I meet in my life. The way he lived his life helped me overcome my depression and continue to live the life he would want.

Chima Obayi

NYU Admissions Essay

In 2015 he was named team OLL MVP. The following season he took the initiative and recruited friends from his neighborhood to join our program, helping to construct a winning team in 2017. He was the Captain and led them to the finals in 2019.  We strive to show, by example, the importance of giving back to the community.  Gabriel was an excellent representative of that spirit.

Robert Warner, President / OLLSA

“One day Gabe said hey come join this team with me, now these young men are bonded forever.  Many have gotten tattoos in his honor. We, as a team, still get together on his birthday. We will always carry him in our hearts. “

Antuanette Lewis, Lourdes Coach

Gabriel and his influence continue even to today as I often hear my son say, “I have to be a success not just for myself but also for Gabe as he is not here to do it for himself.” As a mother I can say that if there is a young man that deserves to be a community icon it was Gabriel Rice.

Alison Bruce-Alexander

VP Operations Chubb

“He tutored and helped my daughter with her homework. He also trained and worked with my daughter to improve her basketball skills, but he stressed to her the importance’s of education.  My daughter had a pair of sneakers designed with Gabriel’s basketball pictures and their initials to honor Gabriel’s memory.”

 Amalia Samedy