The alleged driver of a jet ski, involved in a fatal collision with a U.S. Air Force Academy cadet candidate, has been charged with manslaughter. The incident, described as a ‘tragic, unnecessary death’, occurred on Grapevine Lake, Texas,” according to reliable sources.
The deceased, Ava Moore, aged 18, was kayaking when a jet ski, reportedly traveling at high speed, struck her. The suspected operator of the jet ski, 21-year-old Daikerlyn Alejandra Gonzalez Gonzalez, allegedly fled the scene in a vehicle with Maikel Coello Perozo, also 21. In their haste to escape, their vehicle collided with two others, according to Texas Game Warden Capt. Joseph Quintero.
Following a search for the suspects, both Gonzalez and Perozo were arrested on Tuesday. Quintero attributes this success to “good hard detective work” and the cooperation of the public, who provided more than 900 tips leading investigators to a home in Dallas where the suspects were located.
Gonzalez has been charged with felony manslaughter in Moore’s death, while Perozo faces charges related to the vehicular collision and hindering apprehension. The Texas Game Wardens are investigating the fatal jet ski accident, with the Grapevine Police Department handling the investigation into the hit-and-run.
Quintero suggests that additional charges may be filed as the investigation progresses. He emphasized the gravity of the situation, stating, “The tragic, unnecessary death of anybody on the public waters of the state of Texas is something that we’re always fighting to try to deter and stop from happening.” The investigation will also explore whether there was proper permitting to operate the jet ski and if alcohol was a factor.
According to Joshua Johnson, the acting field office director for U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement in Dallas, both suspects are undocumented Venezuelan nationals. They reportedly entered the U.S. illegally in 2023 and were processed for a notice to appear before being released on their recognizance.
Moore had recently graduated from the U.S. Air Force Academy Preparatory School and had accepted an appointment to join the academy as a member of the class of 2029. Her loss has been deeply felt by the Academy community, with Academy Superintendent Lt. Gen. Tony Bauernfeind describing her as an “exemplary teammate.”
This development follows earlier reports that Moore’s family has expressed their gratitude for the messages of love, support, and prayers they have received during this challenging time. They hope that their daughter’s tragic death will continue to impact their community positively.
This incident is a stark reminder of the importance of safety on public waters and, as investigations continue, further details are expected to emerge. There are still unanswered questions and consequences to consider in this tragic case. Our thoughts and prayers are with the Moore family during this time of such tragic loss of such a young, beautiful girl whose life was cut short way too soon.
