Jackson James RiceA budding kite and foil star sadly passed away this weekend, just weeks ahead of making his Olympic debut in 2024. He is only 18 years old.
Rice’s father, Darren, comfirmed His son died in a freediving accident in Faleloa, Tonga on Saturday. It is believed JJ suffered a shallow water blackout.
JJ’s father said his body was discovered by other divers on the ocean floor…under the boat around 12:15 p.m. They tried to resuscitate him, but he died.
We are just a few weeks away from JJ making history in the Paris Olympic Kite Foils competition… the first time the sport will be part of the Olympics. Rice was born in the United States but competed for Tonga.
Kite foiling is kitesurfing… except it has a foil underneath the kiteboard to make it go faster (among other differences).
Last December, JJ earned a spot on the Olympic team by finishing eighth in the Sydney Regatta.
His sister Lily posted on Facebook: “He was an amazing foil kite enthusiast who could have gone to the Olympics and won a big shiny medal.”
“I was blessed to have the most wonderful brother in the world and it pains me to say that he has passed away.”
As well as being a star athlete, JJ is also a hero… who saved two girls after a ferry capsized in Faleloa in 2021, his father said. They pulled back to safety.
rest in peace
