Biola Basketball Player Dies in Hiking Accident

Biola basketball player Christyan Rios died from a fall while hiking with his family near his home in Chihuahua, Mexico, over the weekend.

After running ahead on a hill, Rios, 23, was found by family members after he had fallen many feet, according to Ken Carlson, Biola sports information director, who was informed of the death Monday.

Rios, a 6-foot-5 junior transfer, averaged 4.1 points and 3.3 rebounds in his only season for Biola.

“He was as nice a kid as I’ve ever coached,” Biola Coach Dave Holmquist said. “He had a great spirit and teammates loved him.”

Holmquist said he expected Rios to be a major contributor this season: “He started for us the first 10 games and then he broke his foot. When he came back, he came off the bench, and he played real well in the national tournament for us. He was working out over the summer, and we thought he was going to really have a good senior year.”

Rios is survived by his parents, Edvardo and Lydia Rios, and three siblings. Burial was Monday.