New York: It was Memorial Day weekend, a time meant for relaxation, reflection, and family. But for the loved ones of 18-year-old Ava Renee Moore, it became a moment of unimaginable loss. Ava — a recent high school graduate, rising Air Force recruit, and standout basketball player — lost her life in a heartbreaking jet ski hit-and-run while kayaking on Grapevine Lake in Texas.
As the story unfolded online, it struck a nerve. Not just because of the tragic loss of someone so young and full of promise, but because of how it happened: a crash, a cover-up, and an escape attempt. Now, Ava’s name is everywhere — not just as a victim, but as a symbol. Of injustice. Of recklessness. Of lives interrupted. Here’s what we know so far, why it matters, and how the internet is rallying for Ava.
What Happened to Ava Moore?
On Sunday, May 25, 2025, Ava Moore was kayaking near Oak Grove Park on Grapevine Lake when she was struck by a jet ski. Witnesses say the jet ski collided with Ava at a high speed and then fled the scene — a chilling hit-and-run on water.
After a rapid investigation, two suspects were arrested:
- Daikerlyn Alejandra Gonzalez Gonzalez, 21
- Maikel Coello Perozo, 20
Both are Venezuelan nationals reportedly in the U.S. illegally. They now face charges including felony manslaughter, hindering apprehension, and failure to stop and render aid.
Who Was Ava Renee Moore?
Ava wasn’t just another name in the news. She was an achiever, a dreamer, and a future leader. She had just graduated from Timber Creek High School and was preparing to begin her training at the U.S. Air Force Academy Preparatory School. She was known for her discipline, leadership, and athletic talent — especially on the basketball court.
To many, Ava embodied the kind of spirit that gave people hope for the next generation.
A Community in Mourning—and Outrage
Since the news broke, an emotional tide has swept across social media. Hashtags like #JusticeForAva and #RememberAvaMoore are trending, filled with grief, frustration, and solidarity. Teens are posting tributes, veterans are saluting her service, and strangers are speaking her name in prayer.
One TikTok user wrote: “She died trying to serve this country — and now we owe her justice.”
A GoFundMe campaign for Ava’s family has gathered momentum as people from across the country come together to honor her memory and demand accountability.
The Suspects and Political Firestorm
The two accused, Gonzalez and Perozo, were arrested shortly after the accident. According to law enforcement, they initially fled the scene and later tried to avoid capture. Both are now in custody in Tarrant County, Texas.
The case has also taken a political turn. Texas Governor Greg Abbott has publicly demanded the death penalty for the suspects, citing their immigration status and the severity of the crime. His statement has ignited fierce debate online, with some applauding the tough stance and others calling for compassion and due process.
Regardless of politics, the focus remains on justice for Ava — and how to prevent such tragedies from ever happening again.
A Wake-Up Call on Water Safety
Ava’s death is not just a crime story — it’s a reminder. Summer activities like kayaking and jet skiing are meant to be joyful, but without proper safety, they can turn deadly.
Here are five key reminders this summer:
- Always wear a life vest, even if you’re a strong swimmer.
- Never operate a jet ski or boat under the influence.
- Stay alert in high-traffic areas like lakes and rivers.
- Obey speed limits and designated water paths.
- If an accident happens, never flee the scene — lives depend on those first few minutes.
Say Her Name. Remember Her Story.
Ava Moore deserved so much more time. More moments. More memories. Her story is one of heartbreak, but also of unity. The world didn’t just lose a young woman — it lost a future leader. As her family prepares for a funeral no parent should ever have to plan, the rest of us can honor Ava by keeping her name alive, demanding justice, and showing up for one another.
Let this summer be different. Let Ava’s legacy be louder than the silence that follows tragedy. And let’s keep her story — and the fight for her justice — in our hearts, our feeds, and our voices.
