A promising Air Force cadet candidate, known for her wit and leadership, was killed in a hit-and-run jet ski accident allegedly caused by illegal immigrants, leading to her burial with full military honors. Ava Moore, 18, an Air Force Academy Preparatory School graduate, died in a jet ski accident on Lake Grapevine during Memorial Day weekend. Two illegal immigrants from Venezuela were arrested in connection with the accident, with the driver facing manslaughter charges.
Promising Military Career Cut Short
Ava Moore, an 18-year-old Air Force cadet candidate, was killed in a jet ski accident while kayaking on Lake Grapevine near Dallas, Texas, over Memorial Day weekend. Moore had recently graduated from the Air Force Academy Preparatory School and was preparing to join the United States Air Force Academy’s class of 2029. Her untimely death has sent shockwaves through both her local community and the military, where she was recognized as a standout student with tremendous potential for leadership and service.
The circumstances surrounding Moore’s death have drawn national attention, as the driver of the jet ski that struck her kayak allegedly fled the scene and was later identified as Daikerlyn Alejandra Gonzalez-Gonzalez, an illegal immigrant from Venezuela. Gonzalez-Gonzalez has been charged with second-degree manslaughter and is currently held on a $500,000 bond. A second suspect, Maikel Coello Perozo, also an illegal immigrant from Venezuela, was charged with collision involving damage to a vehicle and hindering apprehension.
NEW @thenatpulse: Air Force Cadet Candidate Slain by Illegal Immigrant Receives Military Honors.
PULSE POINTS:
❓What Happened: An 18-yea……READ ON:https://t.co/3Fppgn8XOj
— Raheem J. Kassam (@RaheemKassam) June 4, 2025
Remembered for Excellence and Leadership
Moore’s former teachers and coaches have come forward to share memories of an exceptional young woman who left an indelible mark on those who knew her. She was a standout student in advanced English and language arts at Trinity Springs Middle School in Fort Worth, Texas, and a four-year varsity basketball player who served as team captain at Timber Creek High School. Her athletic abilities were matched by her academic prowess and natural leadership qualities that inspired both peers and younger students.
“She was tremendously funny even in seventh grade. She was kind and witty and inquisitive and curious about the world around her and just ridiculously smart.” – Danielle Bailey
Danielle Bailey, Moore’s former teacher, spoke of her extraordinary potential, stating that “she was meant to be a world changer, and she knew it.” Her high school basketball coach, Tina DeMichele, highlighted Moore’s inquisitive nature and the significant impact she had on younger players. One touching testament to her influence came from a young basketball camper who honored Moore by wearing her jersey number on her AAU team after learning of her death.
Air Force Academy cadet candidate slain by illegal immigrant honored with full military funeral https://t.co/pEKu8KZCru #FoxNews
— Sean Agnew (@seanagnew) June 4, 2025
Honored with Full Military Funeral
In recognition of her status as a cadet candidate and her commitment to service, Moore was laid to rest with full military honors at a ceremony held at The Met Church in Fort Worth. The solemn service included traditional military funeral honors such as the playing of Taps, the ceremonial folding of the American flag, and the presentation of the flag to Moore’s family. These honors reflect her active-duty status as a cadet candidate and the nation’s gratitude for her willingness to serve.
The suspects in Moore’s death are currently in custody, with Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) placing detainers on both for deportation after their U.S. legal proceedings conclude. The case has highlighted concerns about border security and immigration enforcement, as both suspects were in the country illegally at the time of the incident. Meanwhile, Moore’s community continues to mourn the loss of a young woman who exemplified the qualities of leadership, intelligence, and dedication to service that the military seeks to foster.