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 Involved: Ava Moore, Daikerlyn Alejandraa Gonzalez-Gonzalez, Maikel Coello Perozo, and U.S. Air Force Academy officials.
📍 Where & When: Lake Grapevine, Texas, over Memorial Day weekend; funeral held Saturday.
💬 Key Quote: “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.
⚠️ Impact: Moore’s death has sparked outrage, with law enforcement highlighting the immigration status of the suspects. Both suspects face criminal charges and deportation proceedings.
IN FULL:
An 18-year-old Air Force cadet candidate, Ava Moore, was honored with full military funeral rites on Saturday after her tragic killing in a jet ski collision allegedly caused by an illegal immigrant. Moore, who had recently graduated from the U.S. Air Force Academy Preparatory School and was set to join the Academy’s Class of 2029, died while kayaking on Lake Grapevine in Texas over Memorial Day weekend.
The U.S. Air Force Academy confirmed Moore was laid to rest with military honors, including the playing of Taps, flag folding, and flag presentation to her family. According to the Academy’s Superintendent, Lt. Gen. Tony Bauernfeind, Moore’s leadership and dedication left a lasting impression on her peers. “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,” he said.
Authorities arrested two Venezuelan nationals in connection with the incident. Daikerlyn Alejandraa Gonzalez-Gonzalez, 22, who is accused of operating the jet ski that struck Moore, faces a second-degree manslaughter charge. Maikel Coello Perozo, 21, allegedly assisted Gonzalez-Gonzalez in fleeing the scene and faces charges for hindering apprehension and a vehicle collision. Both suspects reportedly had packed suitcases when apprehended by law enforcement.
Gonzalez-Gonzalez is being held in Tarrant County Jail on a $500,000 bond, while Perozo’s bail is set at $3,250. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) has placed detainers on both migrants.