18-Year-Old Ava Moore Tragically Dies After Just Finishing Her First Year in the US Air Force Preparatory School – Details
An evening on the water turned tragic when a hit-and-run involving a personal watercraft left a young woman dead and authorities searching for those responsible.
Ava Moore, 18, who recently finished a military preparatory program, was killed in a fatal water-related accident while kayaking on Lake Grapevine on the evening of May 25, 2025.
According to an initial report from the Grapevine Police Department, a personal watercraft (PWC) carrying two women collided with Moore’s kayak on the evening of May 25. One of the women, identified as the passenger, remained at the scene and spoke with first responders.
Law enforcement officers take a suspect into custody following the fatal hit-and-run incident that killed Ava Moore | Source: YouTube/WFAA8
The other woman, believed to be the PWC operator, left the area and was later joined by a male individual. According to the joint media advisory from the Texas Game Wardens and Grapevine Police Department, they believe the pair struck another vehicle while fleeing the scene.
Their vehicle was later located near the Cobblestone Apartments at Ruth Wall and Turner Road, as reported by WFAA.
Lake Grapevine, where 18-year-old Ava Moore was fatally struck by a jet ski while kayaking on May 25, 2025 | Source: YouTube/WFAA8
Meanwhile, Moore was transported to Baylor Scott & White Medical Center in Grapevine, where she was pronounced dead. She had returned to Texas just six days before her death, after completing her first year of training at the U.S. Air Force Academy Preparatory School in Colorado Springs on May 19.
She had also accepted an appointment to join the U.S. Air Force Academy as a member of the Class of 2029.
In an effort to identify those involved, Grapevine Police released a photo of the PWC operator the following day and asked the public for assistance. By May 27, the operator was identified as Daikerlyn Alejandra Gonzalez Gonzalez, 21, who was taken into custody. Authorities later identified the male companion as Maikel Coello Perozo, 21.
It is unclear whether Perozo has been arrested. However, police have released mugshots of both Gonzalez and Perozo to the media. In a public advisory, they also stated, “If anyone has information regarding either suspect, please contact Grapevine Police detectives at cidmail@grapevinetexas.gov.”
Texas Game Wardens patrol Lake Grapevine as part of the investigation into the fatal watercraft collision that killed Ava Moore | Source: YouTube/WFAA8
As the investigation unfolded, a firsthand account from a lake visitor shed light on the moments after the collision. Lisa Scrabeck, who was at the lake with her son, saw Moore being pulled to shore and immediately stepped in to help, a detail she shared with CBS News Texas.
Scrabeck also told WFAA, “Once she came out of the water, I had them lay her down and started helping at that point.”
Ava Moore playing for the U.S. Air Force Preparatory School’s women’s basketball team, where she was known for her competitive spirit and team-first attitude | Source: YouTube/WFAA8
Scrabeck confirmed that Moore had been wearing a life jacket, which was removed before CPR was initiated. Earlier in the day, Scrabeck had seen the women on the PWC behaving recklessly. Recalling the moment, Scrabeck noted that Moore did not appear to suffer after the collision.
She expressed her condolences to Moore’s family and shared how unimaginable the pain must be for her parents. Moore’s father later acknowledged the tragedy, “We are grieving the loss of our daughter at this time….Our prayers are also with the young ladies involved, along with their families.”
Ava Moore, center, pictured with her U.S. Air Force Preparatory School basketball teammates. She was remembered for her leadership and service | Source: YouTube/WFAA8
As news of her death spread, support poured in from friends, family, and the wider community. A GoFundMe campaign created to assist with funeral expenses described Moore as “an outstanding student and athlete” and noted she was a 2024 graduate of Timber Creek High School.
Her best friend, Eva Love, spoke tearfully about the void Moore’s death has left. “She was gonna be a four-star general, like she was gonna serve her country. She loved her country. She wanted us to serve,” Love said.
Eva Love, Ava Moore’s best friend, becomes emotional as she remembers Ava’s kindness, leadership, and plans to serve her country | Source: YouTube/WFAA8
Love continued to reflect on the emotional impact of her death, “You took someone who is just so kind and loving, and make sure’s [sic] everyone else around them is just taken care of. She was just one of our best friends. Like, I don’t even know how to explain her. She was just Ava.”
Additional tribute also came from the U.S. Air Force Academy. On their official Facebook page, Superintendent Lt. Gen. Tony Bauernfeind described Moore as an exceptional and inspiring cadet candidate whose dedication to leadership and service made a lasting impression on those around her.
“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,” Bauernfeind said.
The Academy is now focused on supporting Moore’s family, her squadron, and others affected by her passing, with chaplains, counselors, and leadership available to assist.
