Family of Ava Moore focuses on ‘forgiveness’ after teen is killed in jet ski hit-and-run

(NewsNation) — The family of a teen killed in a jet ski hit-and-run over Memorial Day weekend emphasized forgiveness in a statement shared Wednesday.

Ava Moore, 18, was reportedly hit by a jet ski going at a “high rate of speed” while kayaking on Lake Grapevine near Dallas, Texas,

on Sunday. An arrest warrant obtained by The Dallas Morning News showed that Moore and her friend were in the process of leaving the area when she was hit from behind.

Two people have been arrested in connection with her death. The person driving the jet ski had allegedly made multiple passes near the shore and other swimmers at too-fast speeds.

“This is a difficult time for all involved, but also an opportunity for our beautiful girl to continue to impact our community,” the family said in a statement shared during a Wednesday press conference. “Out of this tragedy, God will make good — and that only can be accomplished through forgiveness.”

Who is Ava Moore?

Moore was a recent U.S. Air Force Academy Preparatory School graduate, the school confirmed. She was pronounced dead while being transported to the hospital, according to the arrest warrant.

The United States Air Force Academy posted its condolences on Facebook.

“We lost an exemplary teammate this weekend — Cadet Candidate Ava Moore, whose passion for leadership and service left an impact on everyone she met. 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.”

2 arrested in Texas teen’s death

Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton on Tuesday announced two arrests in Moore’s death: Daikerlyn Alejandra Gonzalez Gonzalez and Maikel Coello Perozo, both 21.

Gonzalez Gonzalez is accused of hitting and killing Moore with the watercraft and then fleeing with Coella Perozo in a vehicle, according to a release from Paxton. The pair hit two other vehicles while leaving the scene, police said Wednesday.

Gonzalez Gonzalez faces manslaughter charges, officials said Wednesday.

A female passenger on the watercraft remained on the scene, according to the Grapevine Police Department. That person has not yet been identified.

Suspects are Venezuelan nationals, ICE says

Paxton called Gonzalez Gonzalez, a Venezuelan national, an “illegal alien who should have never been in our country in the first place.” He said the same of Coella Perozo.

ICE Dallas Field Office acting Director Joshua Johnson confirmed that both are Venezuelan nationals who were arrested while trying to enter the country in “2023 or 2024,” and then released. Johnson said once the state is finished with charging the pair, they will face an immigration judge.