Two individuals have been arrested in connection with the death of 18-year-old Ava Moore, an Air Force cadet candidate who died after being hit by a jet ski while kayaking on Lake Grapevine, Texas, during Memorial Day weekend.
According to Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton, Daikerlyn Alejandra Gonzalez Gonzalez, 21, struck Moore with a jet ski, then fled the scene alongside Maikel Coello Perozo, 18. Officials say the pair later committed another hit-and-run.
Authorities identified both suspects as undocumented migrants, with Gonzalez reportedly from Venezuela. The Department of Homeland Security has not yet confirmed their immigration status.
“Ava Moore’s senseless death was caused by an illegal alien who should have never been in our country in the first place,” said Paxton. “My heart breaks for Ava’s family and friends, and my prayers are with them as they face this tragedy.”
Gonzalez faces a manslaughter charge, while Perozo has been charged with collision involving damage to a vehicle and hindering apprehension.
Texas Governor Greg Abbott weighed in on social media, posting on X:
“Welcome to Texas. Here’s your Death Penalty.”
Moore had recently graduated from the Air Force Academy Preparatory School on May 19 and had earned her place in the Class of 2029. The academy honored her in a tribute shared on Facebook.
“We lost an exemplary teammate this weekend – Cadet Candidate Ava Moore, whose passion for leadership and service left an impact on everyone she met,” said Lt. General Tony Bauernfeind, superintendent of the U.S. Air Force Academy. “Her constant happiness and attitude helped her squadron get through the challenges of the Prep School, and her drive to excel was on display as she sought out leadership positions to improve herself and her team.”
Moore was also a standout basketball player at the prep school. Her coach, Ke’sha Blanton, shared her heartbreak with NBC Dallas:
“Broke my heart for our players, broke my heart for our parents and her family. And then it just broke my heart, because you don’t realize as a coach how much these players really impact you.”
“I was proud of everything that she was doing and how, no matter what the storm was, she made her way through it. So I think that would be the one thing that I wish I would have emphasized a lot more.”
Representative Beth Van Duyne, who had nominated Moore for the Air Force Academy, also expressed sorrow:
“I was honored to have nominated Ava to join the ranks of patriotic young men and women who are dedicated to protecting the nation we love,” she wrote on X. “Her qualifications, dedication, and leadership stood out. Our office mourns for her loss and grieves with her family and friends.”
Moore’s family released a statement thanking the public for their support:
“We are so thankful for the countless messages and demonstrations of love and support, but most grateful for the many prayers we have received.”
“This is a difficult time for all involved, but also an opportunity for our beautiful girl to continue to impact our community. Out of this tragedy, God will make good, and that only can be accomplished through forgiveness.”
