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Yahoo
6 days ago
- General
- Yahoo
Alleged jet ski driver booked on manslaughter in hit-and-run that killed Air Force Academy cadet candidate
The alleged driver of a jet ski that fatally collided with a U.S. Air Force Academy cadet candidate while she was kayaking has been booked for manslaughter in the "tragic, unnecessary death," authorities said Wednesday. Ava Moore, 18, was killed in a jet ski hit-and-run while kayaking on Grapevine Lake in north Texas on Sunday evening, authorities said. The jet ski was traveling at a high rate of speed at the time, according to Texas Game Warden Capt. Joseph Quintero. The suspected operator of the jet ski -- 21-year-old Daikerlyn Alejandra Gonzalez Gonzalez -- fled the scene in a vehicle with Maikel Coello Perozo, also 21, authorities said. As they left, the vehicle collided with two other vehicles, Quintero said. Following a search for the suspects, both Gonzalez and Perozo were arrested on Tuesday, Quintero said, crediting "good hard detective work" and tips from the public with leading investigators to a home in Dallas where the two were located. MORE: 2 arrested after jet ski hit-and-run death of Texas teen Gonzalez has been booked on felony manslaughter charges in Moore's death, which is being investigated by the Texas Game Wardens, Quintero said. Perozo was charged with collision involving damage to a vehicle and hindering apprehension, both misdemeanors, Quintero said. The automotive hit-and-run is being investigated by the Grapevine Police Department. More charges could be filed amid the ongoing investigation, Quintero said. "The tragic, unnecessary death of anybody on the public waters of the state of Texas is something that we're always fighting to try to deter and stop from happening, and this is a great example of that," Quintero said during a press briefing on Wednesday. "It is a tragic, tragic situation, and I hope that people will take this and use this opportunity to not only remember Miss Moore, but also to remember to be safe on the public waters," he added. Quintero said investigators are looking into whether there was proper permitting to operate the jet ski and if alcohol was a factor. They are also reviewing footage from the scene. A female passenger on the jet ski who remained on shore after the collision has not been charged at this time, Quintero said. MORE: Jet ski driver flees after killing 18-year-old kayaker in Texas: Police The nature of the relationship between Gonzalez and Perozo is unclear at this time, Quintero said. Both are undocumented Venezuelan nationals, according to Joshua Johnson, the acting field office director for U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement in Dallas. "It's my understanding both individuals crossed the southern border in 2023 or 2024," Johnson said at the press briefing. "They were arrested at the time of entry, processed for a notice to appear, and then released on their own recognizance." ICE has lodged immigration detainers for both and once the state case is complete, they will take custody of them and proceed with the immigration process, Johnson said. Moore had just graduated from the U.S. Air Force Academy Preparatory School on May 19 and had accepted an appointment to join the academy as a member of the class of 2029, according to the school. Academy Superintendent Lt. Gen. Tony Bauernfeind remembered her as an "exemplary teammate." "We lost an exemplary teammate this weekend -- Cadet Candidate Ava Moore, whose passion for leadership and service left an impact on everyone she met," Bauernfeind said in a statement. "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." Moore's family expressed thanks for the messages of love, support and prayers they've received in a statement read on their behalf during Wednesday's briefing. "This is a difficult time for all involved, but also an opportunity for our beautiful girl to continue to impact our community," her family said. "Out of this tragedy, God will make good, and that only can be accomplished through forgiveness." Alleged jet ski driver booked on manslaughter in hit-and-run that killed Air Force Academy cadet candidate originally appeared on
Yahoo
6 days ago
- General
- Yahoo
Alleged jet ski driver booked on manslaughter in hit-and-run that killed Air Force Academy cadet candidate
The alleged driver of a jet ski that fatally collided with a U.S. Air Force Academy cadet candidate while she was kayaking has been booked for manslaughter in the "tragic, unnecessary death," authorities said Wednesday. Ava Moore, 18, was killed in a jet ski hit-and-run while kayaking on Grapevine Lake in north Texas on Sunday evening, authorities said. The jet ski was traveling at a high rate of speed at the time, according to Texas Game Warden Capt. Joseph Quintero. The suspected operator of the jet ski -- 21-year-old Daikerlyn Alejandra Gonzalez Gonzalez -- fled the scene in a vehicle with Maikel Coello Perozo, also 21, authorities said. As they left, the vehicle collided with two other vehicles, Quintero said. Following a search for the suspects, both Gonzalez and Perozo were arrested on Tuesday, Quintero said, crediting "good hard detective work" and tips from the public with leading investigators to a home in Dallas where the two were located. MORE: 2 arrested after jet ski hit-and-run death of Texas teen Gonzalez has been booked on felony manslaughter charges in Moore's death, which is being investigated by the Texas Game Wardens, Quintero said. Perozo was charged with collision involving damage to a vehicle and hindering apprehension, both misdemeanors, Quintero said. The automotive hit-and-run is being investigated by the Grapevine Police Department. More charges could be filed amid the ongoing investigation, Quintero said. "The tragic, unnecessary death of anybody on the public waters of the state of Texas is something that we're always fighting to try to deter and stop from happening, and this is a great example of that," Quintero said during a press briefing on Wednesday. "It is a tragic, tragic situation, and I hope that people will take this and use this opportunity to not only remember Miss Moore, but also to remember to be safe on the public waters," he added. Quintero said investigators are looking into whether there was proper permitting to operate the jet ski and if alcohol was a factor. They are also reviewing footage from the scene. A female passenger on the jet ski who remained on shore after the collision has not been charged at this time, Quintero said. MORE: Jet ski driver flees after killing 18-year-old kayaker in Texas: Police The nature of the relationship between Gonzalez and Perozo is unclear at this time, Quintero said. Both are undocumented Venezuelan nationals, according to Joshua Johnson, the acting field office director for U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement in Dallas. "It's my understanding both individuals crossed the southern border in 2023 or 2024," Johnson said at the press briefing. "They were arrested at the time of entry, processed for a notice to appear, and then released on their own recognizance." ICE has lodged immigration detainers for both and once the state case is complete, they will take custody of them and proceed with the immigration process, Johnson said. Moore had just graduated from the U.S. Air Force Academy Preparatory School on May 19 and had accepted an appointment to join the academy as a member of the class of 2029, according to the school. Academy Superintendent Lt. Gen. Tony Bauernfeind remembered her as an "exemplary teammate." "We lost an exemplary teammate this weekend -- Cadet Candidate Ava Moore, whose passion for leadership and service left an impact on everyone she met," Bauernfeind said in a statement. "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." Moore's family expressed thanks for the messages of love, support and prayers they've received in a statement read on their behalf during Wednesday's briefing. "This is a difficult time for all involved, but also an opportunity for our beautiful girl to continue to impact our community," her family said. "Out of this tragedy, God will make good, and that only can be accomplished through forgiveness." Alleged jet ski driver booked on manslaughter in hit-and-run that killed Air Force Academy cadet candidate originally appeared on
Yahoo
05-04-2025
- Climate
- Yahoo
Paddling safety tips
Apr. 4—AUSTIN — As paddlers take to Texas' lakes, rivers and coastal waters, the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department (TPWD) reminds everyone to prioritize safety while kayaking, canoeing and paddleboarding. With warmer weather drawing more outdoor enthusiasts to the water, following essential safety practices can prevent accidents and save lives. "Paddling is a great way to enjoy Texas' natural beauty, but preparation is key to staying safe," Erika Brooks, TPWD boating education training specialist, said in a news release. "Wearing a properly fitted life jacket, knowing the water conditions and planning ahead can make all the difference." Texas law requires all paddlers to have a U.S. Coast Guard-approved life jacket on board, and children under 13 must wear one at all times while paddling. Paddlers should also check weather forecasts, understand water currents and carry a whistle or other sound-producing device to signal for help if needed. "Many paddling accidents involve unexpected hazards like strong currents, submerged obstacles, or sudden weather changes," said Cody Jones, Texas Game Warden assistant commander for marine enforcement. "Being aware of your surroundings and wearing your life jacket can mean the difference between a close call and a tragedy." Several recent tragedies serve as a stark reminder that preparation, awareness and proper safety equipment are essential for a day out on the water. "Over the past few weeks, we've seen a concerning rise in paddling-related fatalities in the Dallas-Fort Worth area," said Joseph Quintero, Texas Game Warden captain. "These unfortunate incidents highlight the importance of being prepared as conditions on the water can change quickly. No matter your experience level, it's important to not overestimate your abilities and take the proper precautions." Paddlers should also avoid alcohol while on the water, paddle in groups when possible and let someone know their float plan, including their expected return time and location and carry a white light if paddling between sunset and sunrise. As temperatures continue to rise, staying hydrated and using sun protection is also advised. Additional paddling safety tips can be found at
