BRISBANE — The Brisbane Grammar School community is in deep shock after 17-year-old Rylan Henry Pribadi, a boarding student from Brisbane Grammar, died in a skiing accident in Niseko, Japan, on Wednesday, January 7. The school confirmed the news with heavy hearts, saying Rylan died while doing something he truly loved.
Rylan arrived at Brisbane Grammar as a Year 9 boarder in 2022. From the start, he stood out not because he sought attention, but because people naturally gravitated toward his warmth and easy smile. Teachers remember him as thoughtful and approachable, a young man who made friends quickly and cared for them deeply.
Sport was a central part of Rylan’s life. He poured himself into football with a rare mix of skill and humble teamwork. In 2025, he helped lead the Brisbane Grammar First XI to a premiership victory, earning praise from coaches and teammates alike for his dedication on the field. That same year, his peers chose him as a Boarding Prefect — a role he carried out with quiet integrity and genuine care for others.
In its official statement, the school described Rylan as dependable, kind, and deeply committed to those around him. Boarding staff spoke of his reliability, his steady presence during tough moments, and the way he lifted others without making a fuss. His loss has left a hole in the hearts of classmates, teachers, and friends who looked to him as someone steady in both victory and struggle.
Parents Reza and Jacky Pribadi and Rylan’s two sisters have been surrounded by love and support from both the Brisbane Grammar and St Peters Lutheran College communities. Messages of condolence and shared memories have poured in, painting a picture of a young man whose laughter and warmth left an imprint on all who knew him.
The wider Brisbane community has also rallied in grief, honoring Rylan’s life not just for what he achieved but for the kindness and generosity he showed daily. In moments of shared sorrow, former classmates recall his gentle leadership — a reminder that sometimes the brightest lights burn in ordinary, loving ways.
As the days unfold, friends and family continue to celebrate Rylan’s life: a life too short, full of promise, laughter, and genuine compassion. Brisbane Grammar School has pledged ongoing support to students and staff in the wake of the tragedy, ensuring Rylan’s memory lives on in halls he once walked and hearts he once touched.
