A promising Air Force cadet candidate’s life was cut short when her kayak was struck by a jet ski operated by an illegal immigrant, leading to full military honors at her funeral.
At a Glance
- Ava Moore, 18, was killed in a jet ski accident while kayaking on Lake Grapevine over Memorial Day weekend
- Moore had just graduated from the Air Force Academy Preparatory School and was set to join the Class of 2029
- The jet ski operator, Daikerlyn Alejandra Gonzalez-Gonzalez, an illegal immigrant from Venezuela, fled the scene and was later charged with second-degree manslaughter
- Moore was remembered as “inquisitive,” “remarkably smart,” and a natural leader
- She received full military honors at her funeral service in Fort Worth, Texas
Promising Military Career Cut Short
Ava Moore, an 18-year-old Air Force cadet candidate with a bright future ahead, died tragically in a jet ski collision 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 scheduled to join the United States Air Force Academy’s Class of 2029. The young cadet candidate was known for her academic excellence, athletic abilities, and leadership qualities that made her stand out among her peers. Her untimely death has left both the military and civilian communities mourning the loss of a talented young woman committed to serving her country.
According to authorities, Moore was struck by a jet ski while kayaking on the lake. The operator of the jet ski, identified as Daikerlyn Alejandra Gonzalez-Gonzalez, allegedly fled the scene after the collision. Gonzalez-Gonzalez, a Venezuelan national residing in the United States illegally, was later arrested and charged with second-degree manslaughter. An accomplice, Maikel Coello Perozo, also an illegal immigrant from Venezuela, was charged with collision involving damage to a vehicle and hindering apprehension. Immigration and Customs Enforcement has placed detainers on both suspects for deportation after their U.S. legal proceedings conclude.
JUST PUBLISHED: Air Force Cadet Candidate Slain by Illegal Immigrant Receives Military Honors. PULSE POINTS:
❓What Happened: An 18-year-old Air Force cadet candidate, Ava Moore, was killed by a jet ski allegedly being driven recklessly by an illegal immigrant.👥 Who’s…
— The National Pulse (@TheNatPulse) June 4, 2025
Remembered for Excellence and Leadership
Moore was a standout student throughout her academic career. She excelled in advanced English and language arts at Trinity Springs Middle School in Fort Worth, Texas, where her intellectual curiosity and engaging personality left a lasting impression on her teachers. Later, as a student at Timber Creek High School, she distinguished herself as both a scholar and an athlete, serving as captain of the basketball team where she was a four-year varsity player. Her leadership extended beyond the classroom and the court, influencing younger students who looked up to her.
Her former teacher, Danielle Bailey, remembered Moore as someone “meant to be a world changer.” Bailey expressed the profound loss felt by those who knew Moore, noting the tragedy of someone with so much potential having her life cut short. Her high school basketball coach, Tina DeMichele, similarly praised Moore’s inquisitive nature and her impact on younger players. The legacy of Moore’s influence continues to be felt among young athletes, with one camper from her basketball program honoring her by wearing Moore’s jersey number with her AAU team.
Full Military Honors
Moore was laid to rest with full military honors at a service held at The Met Church in Fort Worth. This distinction reflects her status as a cadet candidate, which carries active-duty military status. Military funeral honors include the playing of Taps, the ceremonial folding of the American flag, and the presentation of the flag to the deceased’s family. The solemn ceremony underscored the recognition of Moore’s commitment to military service even before she had officially begun her cadet training at the Academy.
“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. Gen. Tony Bauernfeind, U.S. Air Force Academy Superintendent.
Lt. Gen. Tony Bauernfeind, U.S. Air Force Academy Superintendent, praised Moore for her leadership and service in a statement following her death. The recognition from such a high-ranking officer speaks to the impression Moore had already made within the Air Force community. While the tragedy of her death remains raw for family, friends, and colleagues, the military honors bestowed upon her serve as a testament to her character and the promising future that was ahead of her in service to the nation.
