Delray man found dead brought 'immeasurable joy' to family, other South Sudanese athletes

DELRAY BEACH — Makuach Yak was a youth basketball coach in Delray Beach, but he also was so much more than that.

He brought "immeasurable joy" to his family's lives with his infectious laugh and playful nature.

He "elevated the souls" of each of his basketball players around the world and had Olympic aspirations of his own as a long-distance runner in the Midwest.

And he was an advocate for immigrants and athletes of all backgrounds inspired by his family's journey to the U.S. from Akobo, South Sudan.

Yak, 31, was found dead Friday in the Delray Oaks Natural Area, off Congress Avenue west of Interstate 95 and south of Linton Boulevard. He had been missing since May 20.

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Family members reacted to the painful news of his death Friday and Saturday by posting tributes to him and his basketball players online. The circumstances surrounding his death do not appear to be criminal, Delray Beach police said Friday.

That's a sentiment his family members have echoed online as they ask for privacy and prayers.

"The loss of a child, a sibling, a friend is a pain that words cannot fully express," his sister, Nyalang Yak, wrote about him in an online fundraiser. "It is in these moments of profound grief that we must rally together, enveloping the family in love and compassion to help them navigate the difficult days ahead."

Yak left his wallet, keys and phone at home May 20 when he went missing, friends say

Yak was last seen on security-camera footage at about 6:30 a.m. May 20 after leaving his home on Southwest 10th Avenue in Delray Beach dressed to go for a run. The 6-foot-4, 160-pound man was wearing a purple T-shirt, black running shorts, long white socks and black sneakers.

Just two hours later, his roommate and business partner told police he expected to pick Yak up to coach at a basketball tournament.

But when his roommate arrived for him, he wasn't at the house. His wallet, keys, cellphone and Apple Watch were still there, according to friends. All his belongings have remained untouched since he went missing.

Yak's friends and family searched the city and as far away as Boynton Beach and Boca Raton since his disappearance, Delray police spokesman Ted White said. The Palm Beach County Medical Examiner's Office will determine his cause of death, and the city's investigation remains open, police said.