GRAPEVINE, TX – Authorities are intensifying their search for the operator of a jet ski involved in a fatal collision that claimed the life of an 18-year-old on Grapevine Lake. The incident occurred over Memorial Day weekend, leaving a community in mourning and seeking answers.
The victim, Ava Moore, was a promising young woman who had recently completed her studies at the Air Force Academy in Colorado. She was on the brink of beginning basic training, a step towards her dream of a military career. Friends, family, and mentors are left to grapple with the sudden loss of someone they described as a bright and dedicated individual.
Moore’s basketball coach from the United States Air Force Academy Preparatory School, Keisha Blanton, recalled her aspirations of becoming a four-star general. Blanton emphasized Moore’s ability to uplift those around her, making her absence all the more profound for those who knew her.
On the day of the incident, Moore was kayaking on Grapevine Lake when she was struck by a jet ski. Despite being pulled ashore and receiving immediate medical attention, she succumbed to her injuries at the hospital. The driver of the jet ski fled the scene, prompting a manhunt by local law enforcement.
Texas Game Wardens have released an image of the suspect, a woman who reportedly left the area with a male companion. In their haste, the pair allegedly collided with a vehicle, leading to a second hit-and-run incident now under investigation by the Grapevine Police Department.
Coach Blanton expressed the collective anguish of those who knew Moore, stating, “They took a bright, bright star from our lives.” Moore had been visiting her parents in North Texas for the holiday weekend, a visit that has now taken on a tragic significance.
A significant breakthrough in the investigation came when a passenger on the jet ski, who stayed behind, cooperated with authorities. However, questions remain about the identity of the driver and the ownership of the jet ski. Details about the relationship between the driver and the passenger are still unclear, leaving critical aspects of the case unresolved.
Authorities continue to seek information from the public and are urging anyone with knowledge of the incident to come forward. The community hopes for swift justice for Moore and closure for her grieving family and friends.