2 arrested in jet ski hit-and-run at Texas lake that killed 18-year-old kayaker
Authorities in Texas have identified two suspects in the jet ski hit-and-run accident at Lake Grapevine that left an 18-year-old kayaker dead.
Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton, in a statement on May 27, announced Daikerlyn Alejandra Gonzalez Gonzalez, 21, as the suspect in the death of Ava Moore, 18. Another person, identified as Maikel Coello Perozo, 21, by Texas Game Warden Captain Joseph Quintero during a May 28 press conference, was also named a suspect for helping Gonzalez "flee the scene of the crime," the statement said.
"My heart breaks for Ava’s family and friends, and my prayers are with them as they face this tragedy", Paxton said in a statement. "My office will continue to work with local, state, and national law enforcement partners to secure justice for Ava."
Quintero, during the press conference, said Gonzalez, who was arrested May 27 in Dallas along with Perozo, has been charged with manslaughter, while Perozo faces charges for a collision involving damage to a vehicle and hindering apprehension. The officer added that more charges could be filed as authorities "continue to investigate this tragic incident."
It is not yet immediately known if the suspects have legal representation.
"We send our deepest condolences to family during this difficult time and ask the public to allow them to grieve privately," Quintero said.
What happened to Ava Moore?
Moore was kayaking at Lake Grapevine, a reservoir about 25 miles northwest of Dallas, on the evening of May 25 when a personal watercraft with two women on board fatally struck her, the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department had said in a May 26 statement.
Texas Game Warden Captain Joseph Quintero, at the press conference, said the "jet ski was being driven at a high rate of speed near the shoreline of Oak Grove Park where the incident occurred."
While the jet ski passenger, whose name has not been released, remained on scene to be interviewed by first responders, the operator fled with a man, police had said. The two then hit two vehicles while leaving the area.
Ava Moore 'didn't suffer,' says witness
A witness, Lisa Scrabeck, told CBS News that Moore was pulled ashore after she was hit, adding that she was wearing a life jacket, which was removed before CPR began.
"She didn't suffer in agony," Scrabeck told the outlet. "It's very tragic, and I extend my deepest condolences to the family. I can't imagine being the parents of this young girl. But one thing I can say is that she didn't suffer from the moment I saw her."
The witness added she had noticed the two women accused of the hit-and-run driving the jet ski "recklessly" throughout the day.
Quintero said Moore was transported to a local hospital, where she was pronounced deceased.
Multiple agencies involved in investigation
While the Grapevine Police Department was looking into the car accident, Texas Game Wardens were leading the water fatality investigation, according to TPWD's statement.
Paxton’s statement said the Attorney General's Fugitive Apprehension Unit worked in collaboration with other agencies, including TPWD, Grapevine Police Department, Dallas Police Department, Texas Department of Public Safety, and U.S. Department of Homeland Security to make the arrests.
Quintero, during the press conference, also appreciated the public for playing an active role in nailing down the suspects, saying authorities "received more than 900 tips" on the tip line, which helped us provide a quick resolution for family."
The officer added that the investigation into the incident is still ongoing and that they will keep the public posted.
Ava Moore was an outstanding student
A GoFundMe set up to support Moore's family and help pay for her funeral arrangements said she was "an outstanding student and athlete" who had just returned from Colorado Springs after finishing her first year at the Air Force Preparatory School.
The fundraiser, which had a target of $20,000, has raised more than $32,000 as of May 28.
Air Force Academy Superintendent Lt. Gen Tony Bauernfeind, in a statement, mourned the death of "an exemplary teammate... whose passion for leadership and service left an impact on everyone she met."
"Ava’s 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," Bauernfeind said. "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."
Saman Shafiq is a trending news reporter for Paste BN. Reach her at sshafiq@gannett.com and follow her on X and Instagram @saman_shafiq7.