USAFA cadet candidate killed in alleged hit-and-run while kayaking in Texas
(U.S. AIR FORCE ACADEMY, Colo.) — A woman who died while kayaking in Texas has been identified as an 18-year-old U.S. Air Force Academy (USAFA) cadet candidate.
On Sunday, May 25, Texas Game Wardens responded to a water fatality involving a personal watercraft and a kayaker at Lake Grapevine in Tarrant County, Texas. According to Texas Parks and Wildlife (TPW), details indicated that a personal watercraft occupied by two women allegedly struck the victim and killed the 18-year-old.
The passenger of the personal watercraft remained on scene to be interviewed by first responders. TPW said that the operator left the scene with a man, and while leaving the area, the operator and the man then struck another car.
On Monday, May 26, TPW announced it was looking for both the operator and the driver of the vehicle and asked the public to help locate them. On Tuesday, May 27, the suspect allegedly tied to the 18-year-old's death, Daikerlyn Alejandra Gonzalez Gonzalez, was arrested.
'We are thankful for the help of fellow law enforcement officers from the Texas Attorney General's Office, the Texas Department of Public Safety, the Dallas Police Department, and Homeland Security Investigations,' wrote TPW.
On Tuesday, the Air Force Academy confirmed the victim, Ava Moore, was a cadet candidate who had graduated from the U.S. Air Force Academy Preparatory School on May 19, 2025, and had accepted an appointment to join the Academy as a member of the Class of 2029.
'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 Academy Superintendent Lt Gen Tony Bauernfeind. '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. 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.'
'Our thoughts and prayers go out to Ava's family, friends, and loved ones,' USAFA wrote via Facebook. 'Ava, may you find blue skies and tailwinds as you rest forever in peace.'
Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
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