The Air Force Academy is mourning the loss of an incoming cadet.

Ava Moore, 18, died in a crash Sunday while kayaking in her native Texas, on Grapevine Lake, near Dallas, academy officials said. According to multiple reports, including a news release from the Department of Homeland Security, she was fatally struck by a jet ski driven by an immigrant from Venezuela living in the U.S. illegally.

A passenger on the jet ski remained on scene while a female jet ski driver allegedly fled with an adult male, according to reports. While leaving the area, the driver and the man then hit two vehicles, Grapevine police said.

Authorities arrested the jet skier, who is being charged with felony manslaughter, and the man, who was charged with two misdemeanors. Both were identified as immigrants from Venezuela living in the U.S. illegally, according to a DHS news release.

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Moore, a standout basketball player at Air Force Academy Preparatory School, graduated May 19 and was set to join the academy’s class of 2029.

“We lost an exemplary teammate this weekend — Cadet Candidate Ava Moore, whose passion for leadership and service left an impact on everyone she met,” Air Force Academy Superintendent Lt. Gen. Tony Bauernfeind said in a statement.

“Our team is focused on providing support to Ava’s family, her Prep School Squadron, the Prep School Women’s Basketball team and the entire Academy family.”

The academy has support services in place for prospective cadets, faculty and staff, the news release stated.

On Tuesday afternoon, the Grapevine police posted on social media that the suspect driving the jet ski, Daikerlyn Alejandra Gonzalez-Gonzalez, 22, was in custody.

The man driving the vehicle was identified as Alexander Coello-Perozo, 21, according to Homeland Security. 

The release stated that the two Venezuelans entered into the country illegally in 2023.

Immigration and Customs Enforcement lodged immigration detainers with the Grapevine Police Department following the arrests and they are both in removal proceedings.

“Ava Moore was a patriot serving her country when she was killed by an illegal alien in a hit-and-run over Memorial Day weekend. This senseless tragedy was 100% preventable,” Assistant Secretary Tricia McLaughlin said in the release.

“Daikerlyn Gonzalez and Maikel Perozo should have never been in our country, and Ava Moore should be alive today preparing for the Air Force Academy. The previous administration’s open-border policies have cost too many Americans their lives. President Trump and Secretary Noem will continue to stand with victims of illegal alien crime and their families.”

Gazette reporter Nick Smith contributed to this report

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