Two Venezuelan nationals living illegally in the United States have been arrested for causing the death of 18-year-old Ava Moore, a U.S. Air Force recruit fatally struck while kayaking on Lake Grapevine, Texas. The incident occurred on Sunday, May 25th, during the Memorial Day weekend. Authorities say the suspects fled the scene, triggering a multi-agency investigation and search. Moore had recently graduated from the U.S. Air Force Academy Preparatory School and was preparing to begin basic training.
According to the Texas Attorney General’s Office, Daikerlyn Alejandra Gonzalez Gonzalez, 21, was operating the jet ski that collided with Moore’s kayak. After the crash, Gonzalez fled the scene in a blue Toyota Corolla driven by 21-year-old Maikel Coello Perozo. Both individuals were later confirmed to be in the country unlawfully. Moore was pulled from the water by bystanders and taken to Baylor Scott & White Medical Center, where she was pronounced dead.
Law enforcement officials from multiple agencies located the suspects on May 27th at a residence in the Dallas area. Officers from Grapevine and Dallas police departments, the Texas Department of Public Safety, and federal agents from Homeland Security and ICE used drone surveillance to monitor the property. After a standoff, both suspects surrendered and were taken into custody without further incident. The joint effort highlights the operational importance of interagency coordination in public safety.
Gonzalez was charged with second-degree felony manslaughter. Coello faces charges related to leaving the scene of an accident involving injury or death, with additional charges pending. Authorities have stated that further investigation is underway. Witnesses said another woman had been on the jet ski at the time but remained at the scene and has not been charged. The incident raised new scrutiny on boating laws and jet ski regulations in Texas, especially concerning enforcement gaps on public lakes.
Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton called the event a senseless tragedy. “Ava Moore’s death was caused by an illegal alien who should have never been in our country in the first place,” Paxton said. He emphasized his office’s commitment to supporting victims and their families through aggressive legal action and full cooperation with law enforcement agencies.
The case has also focused public attention on navigational safety standards for personal watercraft. Officials urge all recreational users of lakes and rivers to adhere strictly to state and federal safety laws. Moore’s death has ignited calls for enhanced safety education and stricter enforcement to prevent similar tragedies in the future.
