A tragic accident over Memorial Day weekend at Grapevine Lake resulted in the death of an 18-year-old kayaker, Ava Moore, who was struck by a jet ski.
Authorities reported that the incident occurred around 5:25 p.m. on Sunday near 325 Minnow Loop in Oak Grove Park.
First responders arrived on the scene to find Moore seriously injured after being hit by the jet ski while she was kayaking.
Despite being transported to the hospital, Moore was pronounced dead shortly before 6 p.m.
Witnesses revealed that Moore was kayaking with a companion who reported the driver of the jet ski made multiple high-speed passes near the shore where swimmers were present.
The jet ski struck Moore from behind as she and her friend were preparing to leave the area, prompting the driver of the jet ski to flee the scene.
After leaving the lake, the driver and a man accompanying her collided with two vehicles in a parking lot.
One of the passengers from the jet ski remained at the scene and cooperated with police.
The driver of the jet ski was later identified as Daikerlyn Alejandra Gonzalez Gonzalez, 21.
She was arrested on Tuesday in Dallas after police shared her image on social media, asking for public assistance in locating her.
The man who fled with Gonzalez Gonzalez, identified as Maikel Alexander Coello Perozo, 21, was also apprehended the same day.
In his arrest affidavit, Coello Perozo admitted to helping Gonzalez Gonzalez evade police, and the two were found in possession of a packed suitcase when captured.
Officials praised community involvement, noting over 900 tips were received during the investigation.
Gonzalez Gonzalez faces serious charges including felony manslaughter, reckless operation of a watercraft, excessive speed, and leaving the scene of an accident involving death.
Coello Perozo faces lesser misdemeanor charges for hindering apprehension and accident involving damage to a vehicle.
Texas Game Warden Captain Joseph Quintero addressed the media, emphasizing the need for safety on public waters and indicating that the investigation is ongoing, with the potential for additional charges.
He mentioned that investigators are working to recreate the circumstances of the crash to establish a detailed understanding of the events that transpired.
Quintero highlighted that it remains uncertain whether alcohol was a factor in the incident.
Furthermore, he noted that the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department is looking into whether Gonzalez Gonzalez possessed the proper licenses and whether the ownership of the jet ski is well documented.
Both suspects are Venezuelan nationals currently residing in the United States illegally, according to Joshua Johnson, the ICE Dallas acting field office director.
Johnson stated that both individuals crossed the U.S.-Mexico border in recent years, were arrested, received notices to appear in court, and were subsequently released.
Currently, both suspects are being held at the Grapevine Detention Center, with Gonzalez Gonzalez’s arrest affidavit suggesting a bail amount of $500,000.
However, Johnson expressed that setting a bond might be considered “inappropriate” due to the gravity of the case.
Ava Moore was a promising young woman, about to graduate in 2024 from Keller Timber Creek High School and had recently completed her first year at the Air Force Preparatory School in Colorado Springs, Colorado, where she also played on the basketball team.
In an emotional statement read by Makayla Moore, a victim services advocate from Grapevine Police, Ava’s family expressed their gratitude for the support and love shown to them during this painful time.
They mentioned the ongoing hardship but noted an opportunity for Moore’s legacy to continue impacting the community positively.
The family requested privacy to grieve and heal from the tragedy that has befallen them.
The incident has garnered significant media attention throughout Texas, prompting a statement from Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton announcing the arrests.
Paxton also appeared on FOX News’ The Will Cain Show, highlighting the incident and the subsequent arrests.
In a reaction to the case, Texas Governor Greg Abbott took to social media, hinting at a desire for the death penalty to be considered for those involved.
His post on X read, “Welcome to Texas. Here’s your death penalty,” correlated with the news of the incident.
During the press conference, officials did not disclose whether they would pursue the death penalty in this case.
The Tarrant County District Attorney’s office has yet to comment on potential capital murder charges.
In Texas, the law states that capital murder can lead to a death sentence under certain severe circumstances, which does not currently apply to this incident.
image source from：https://www.dallasnews.com/news/crime/2025/05/28/grapevine-police-to-hold-news-conference-on-jet-ski-hit-and-run-death-of-kayaker/
