An 18-year-old Air Force Academy preparatory school student was killed in a jet ski hit-and-run incident on Grapevine Lake in Texas on Sunday evening, May 25, leading to the arrest of two suspects who fled the scene.
Ava Moore was kayaking near Oak Grove Park when she was struck by a jet ski carrying two female occupants. The collision occurred around Sunday evening, with witnesses reporting the watercraft was traveling at a high rate of speed and dangerously close to other people in the water. Moore and other kayakers attempted to paddle away before she was struck from behind.
The victim suffered severe head trauma and was pulled to shore by bystanders who immediately began life-saving measures. Moore was transported to a local hospital where she was later pronounced dead. Witness Lisa Scrabeck, who assisted in the rescue efforts, indicated that Moore was wearing a life jacket which was removed before CPR began.
Following the collision, the passenger on the jet ski remained at the scene to speak with first responders. However, the operator of the watercraft fled the area in a vehicle with an adult male companion. As the pair attempted to escape, they struck two separate vehicles while leaving Grapevine Lake, according to authorities.
Law enforcement agencies launched an extensive search for the suspects, releasing a photograph of the alleged jet ski operator to the public. The investigation generated significant community response, with officials receiving more than 900 tips from citizens attempting to identify the woman described as a Hispanic female with black hair, wearing a blue bikini with a black design.
On Tuesday, May 27, authorities arrested 21-year-old Daikerlyn Alejandra Gonzalez Gonzalez and 21-year-old Maikel Coello Perozo at a residence in the 4700 block of Kildare Avenue in Oak Cliff, Dallas. Both suspects are Venezuelan nationals who entered the United States illegally, according to Immigration and Customs Enforcement officials.
Texas Game Warden Captain Joseph Quintero noted during a Wednesday press conference that investigators used facial recognition software and police reports from other agencies to identify the suspects. When officers located the pair, they discovered packed suitcases, suggesting the suspects were prepared for a getaway.
Gonzalez has been charged with felony manslaughter in Moore’s death, while Perozo faces charges of collision involving damage to a vehicle and hindering apprehension, both misdemeanors. ICE has lodged immigration detainers for both suspects, and once state proceedings conclude, federal authorities will assume custody for immigration proceedings.
According to arrest documents, Perozo admitted to police that he helped Gonzalez escape to avoid capture after the collision. He acknowledged striking another vehicle while fleeing and continuing to drive to evade people at the lake. When a truck began following them, the suspects abandoned their car and fled on foot.
Moore was a 2024 graduate of Timber Creek High School where she excelled as a basketball player, helping the Lady Falcons achieve a 71-51 record across four years. She had recently completed her first year at the Air Force Preparatory School and graduated on May 19, accepting an appointment to join the academy as a member of the class of 2029.
Air Force Academy Superintendent Lieutenant General Tony Bauernfeind described Moore as “an exemplary teammate” whose passion for leadership and service impacted everyone she encountered. He noted her constant positive attitude helped her squadron navigate the challenges of preparatory school.
The Texas Game Wardens are leading the water fatality investigation, while the Grapevine Police Department handles the automotive incidents. Officials indicated that additional charges could be filed as the investigation continues, and they are examining whether alcohol was a factor and determining the ownership status of the jet ski.
Moore’s family expressed gratitude for community support while requesting privacy during their grieving process. They emphasized their belief that good can emerge from the situation through forgiveness. A GoFundMe page established to assist with funeral costs has raised over $13,000 as of Tuesday, May 27.
The investigation involves multiple law enforcement agencies, including Grapevine Police, Texas Game Wardens, Dallas Police Department, Texas Department of Public Safety, and the Department of Homeland Security. The female passenger who remained at the scene has not been charged at this time.
