Two people have been arrested in connection with the death of 18-year-old Ava Moore, who was killed on Sunday when a jet ski struck her kayak on Grapevine Lake in Texas.
Daikerlyn Alejandra Gonzalez, 21, was arrested Tuesday morning at a residence in Oak Cliff, Dallas. She is accused of operating the jet ski that fatally injured Moore.
According to police, Gonzalez fled the scene with a male accomplice, Maikel Coello Perozo, 21, who has also been taken into custody.
Moore was kayaking near Oak Grove Park on Sunday evening when she was struck from behind. Witnesses told investigators the jet ski had been travelling at a high speed in an area where swimmers and kayakers were present.
Bystanders attempted to restrain the suspects, but they were guided to a nearby car park and escaped.
The arrest affidavit states Gonzalez is charged with second-degree felony manslaughter. Her bond has been set at $500,000.
Perozo is facing charges for fleeing the scene and is expected to be charged further. Officials say he crashed into two vehicles while trying to help Gonzalez escape.
Both suspects were arrested in Dallas by Texas Game Wardens, with assistance from the Grapevine and Dallas police departments, federal agents, Immigration and Customs Enforcement, and Homeland Security Investigations.
Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton confirmed both individuals were in the country illegally.
Moore, who was pulled from the water with severe head trauma, later died in hospital. She had recently graduated from the US Air Force Academy Preparatory School and was preparing to begin basic training.
“She made those around her better,” said Ke’sha Blanton, her basketball coach at the academy. “We talked throughout the year about her future. She wanted to be a four-star general.”
Lt. Gen. Tony Bauernfeind, superintendent of the academy, said Moore’s “passion for leadership and service” had a lasting impact. “Her drive to excel was on display as she sought out leadership positions to improve herself and her team,” he said.
The Texas Game Wardens are leading the investigation into the incident on the lake, while Grapevine police are handling the related road collisions.
Authorities are continuing to gather evidence and said additional charges may follow.
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